The Movement Driven Podcast: Episode 4 [feat. Elza van Niekerk]
October 1, 2025
The Female Body in Motion: Stress, Hormones, and Healing

Have you ever wondered why recovery feels harder at certain times—or why stress seems to linger in your body long after the workout is done? At Movement Driven, we know women often juggle careers, families, and fitness while putting their own needs last. The result? Stress, hormonal shifts, and unique anatomical factors that can impact performance and healing.
In this episode of The Movement Driven Podcast, The Female Body in Motion: Stress, Hormones, and Healing, Dr. Greg Goldberger, PT, DPT, and guest Elza van Niekerk dive deep into how women’s bodies respond to stress, training, and recovery. From cycle syncing and hormone fluctuations to knee health and pelvic stability, they break down why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work—and what strategies women can use to recover smarter and train stronger.
If you’re an athlete, a mom, or simply striving to stay active and injury-free, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Have you ever been told you’ll “just have to live with it” when it comes to pain? At Movement Driven, we hear this all the time—and we’re here to tell you it’s not true. In the very first episode of The Movement Driven Podcast, Dr. Greg Goldberger, PT, DPT, breaks down why chronic pain is more complex than most people realize, why the traditional rehab model often fails, and what it really takes to find lasting relief. From debunking myths about back pain to sharing patient stories that will give you hope, this conversation is all about showing you that pain is not a life sentence. If you’ve tried everything and feel stuck, this episode is for you. 👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to hear the full conversation.

When most golfers think about improving their game, the first things that come to mind are clubs, grip, and swing mechanics. But here’s the truth: your hips are the powerhouse of your swing. Without proper hip stability and control, you risk losing distance, struggling with consistency, and even dealing with nagging back pain. At Movement Driven, we specialize in golf training in St. Johns designed to bridge the gap between injury rehab and performance. One of our go-to drills for both prevention and performance is the hip airplane — a simple yet powerful move that trains hip control, rotation, and balance. Why Hip Control Matters in Golf Your hips play two critical roles in your swing: 1. Power generation – They transfer force from the ground through your torso and into the club. 2. Stability – They keep your lower body anchored while your upper body rotates. When hip control is lacking, golfers often compensate with their spine or knees. Over time, this can lead to low back pain, poor mechanics, and reduced efficiency on the course. That’s why focusing on golf training in St. Johns that builds hip stability is essential for players of all levels. The Hip Airplane Drill: A Golfer’s Secret Weapon The hip airplane drill is a favorite because it directly mimics the rotational demands of a golf swing. Here’s why it matters: • Improves hip stability for stronger, more consistent swings • Enhances rotation without straining the low back • Strengthens the glute medius and hip rotators, critical for endurance and control • Carries over to real swings, helping golfers stay grounded while rotating smoothly Adding this drill to your warm-up or gym routine can help you unlock better control, more power, and fewer aches after a round. Common Golf-Related Imbalances to Watch For Many golfers struggle with the same physical issues that affect their game. Use this quick checklist to see if you might need to address an imbalance: ✅ Do you feel your back working harder than your hips during swings? ✅ Do you struggle to maintain balance on your lead leg? ✅ Do your shoulders and pelvis feel “out of sync” during rotation? ✅ Have you noticed recurring stiffness in your low back or hips after playing? If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to invest in golf training in St. Johns that targets your unique movement patterns. Take Your Golf Performance to the Next Level Don’t let poor hip control hold back your swing or put you at risk for injury. Our Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) assessments and Golf Performance sessions are designed to identify your movement limitations and create a personalized plan that bridges rehab and performance. Whether you’re looking to prevent back pain, add power to your drives, or simply play the game longer and pain-free, Movement Driven’s golf training in St. Johns can get you there. 👉 Book your TPI Assessment or Golf Performance Session today and start swinging with confidence.