What if the reason your lifts, runs, or rotational power feel off has nothing to do with motivation—and everything to do with pelvic floor coordination?Michelle MacDonald sits down with pelvic health and performance specialist Rachel Selman for a conversation that bridges the gap between rehab and real athletic training. Together, they explore how the pelvic floor functions in loaded movement, why Kegels alone are not enough, and how women…especially midlife female athletes, can progress from foundational control to strength, rotation, deceleration, and power. Rachel breaks down the role of breath, pressure, thoracic rotation, hip internal rotation, and movement coordination in a way that is practical, evidence-based, and immediately useful. This episode is especially valuable for women interested in Women’s Health and Fitness, a stronger Fitness Mindset, and long-term Personal Growth in how they train and move.Favorite Moments1:47 The Pelvic Floor Is a Dimmer Switch, Not an On/Off Button6:00 "Strength Gives Permission to Soften"19:57 The Four-Phase Progression: Control, Function, Strength, Power36:13 Once a Month: The Pelvic Floor Check-In Protocol for Symptom-Free Athletes"Strength gets permission to soften. If I strengthen a muscle that's overactive, what I actually notice is that it will follow by softening." – Dr. Rachel SelmanGUEST: DR. RACHEL SELMAN, PT, DPT, CERT-DN, CSCS, CPSS, TPI CERTIFIEDWebsite | Instagram | LinkedIn | Synthesis AppFull Guest Bio: Dr. Rachel Selman is a pelvic health and performance specialist who helps women connect pelvic floor function to strength, movement, and athletic performance. Her work focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies that go beyond traditional pelvic floor training, helping women improve coordination, stability, and confidence in everything from lifting and running to everyday life. She is known for making complex pelvic health concepts accessible and relevant for active women, coaches, and athletes.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:Website Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTubeLeave a rating for this podcast with one click