
EP 112: What It’s Like to Be an Athlete With Hypermobility
About this episode
In this video, I’m sharing my experience living and training with hypermobility spectrum disorder — something I’ve dealt with my entire life, but don’t talk about often. Many people are surprised to learn that I struggle with hypermobility, especially because of how active I am and the things I train for. The truth is, it’s something I manage every single day behind the scenes.
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Hypermobility affects connective tissue throughout the body, and for me that has meant chronic aches and pains, recurring soft tissue injuries, nerve pain, and a long history of setbacks related to running and lifting. It’s also meant learning how to train differently — not harder, not recklessly, but more intentionally.
In this video, I talk about:
1. what hypermobility spectrum disorder is
2. how it’s shown up for me throughout my life
3. the injuries and challenges I’ve faced
4. why strength training became non-negotiable for me
5. how I manage volume, intensity, and recovery
6. what’s helped me stay active without breaking down
This is not medical advice, and my experience may not be yours. Hypermobility exists on a spectrum, and everyone’s situation is different. My goal here isn’t to compare or minimize anyone else’s experience — it’s simply to share mine for those who are curious, struggling, or navigating something similar.
I was told many times that my body wasn’t built for sports, running, or lifting. I didn’t accept that answer — but I also had to learn how to respect my body, work within my limits, and be patient in ways I didn’t always want to be.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, hypermobility, or any condition that makes training feel complicated, I hope this reminds you that progress doesn’t have to look one specific way — and that adapting doesn’t mean giving up.
If you have non-medical questions or just want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below. And as always, if you think you may be dealing with something similar, please talk to a qualified healthcare professional.
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