Get Make Change That Lasts

Pre-order my new book for exclusive access to my masterclass and worksheet.

Here are the basics

Subscribe/favorite the shows you want to keep up with. Download any episodes you want saved to your device so you can listen to them anytime (with or without wifi); otherwise, just hit play. See? Easy.

If you’re on an iphone or ipad

You can head directly to Feel Better, Live More page on the Apple Podcasts app and hit SUBSCRIBE. (The app comes loaded on Apple devices.) You can also search for Feel Better, Live More Podcast or any other show from within the app.

Podcast

How to Heal Your Body and Mind Through Movement, The Surprising Benefits of Walking Backwards & How Optimising Your Breath Can Transform Your Relationships with Lawrence van Lingen

by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee   /  November 6, 2024

What if I told you that normalising your breathing pattern and walking backwards every day could change your life? My guest this week explains just how this is possible.

There are very few people in the movement world who ‘grab’ me online and suck me into their world with the quality of their content, but one person who did this a few months ago was this week’s guest, Lawrence van Lingen.

Lawrence is a highly sought-after expert in biomechanics, bodywork, and human performance. Described by Triathlete Magazine as ‘the genius of running,’ Lawrence has over 25 years’ experience working with elite athletes and everyday people. He’s developed a unique approach that goes beyond traditional methods, blending a deep knowledge of movement, posture, and breath to optimize our performance and overall well-being. 

Lawrence works with some of the world’s greatest athletes to enhance their performance and help them with so called ‘untreatable’ injuries and, his online running workshops have become the backbone of remarkable athletic comebacks and they’ve also helped many people around the world, move without pain and with greater enjoyment. In order to help more people, Lawrence has created a wonderful online community that includes live and recorded classes where people of all ages and abilities can learn to understand their bodies, move better, and ultimately feel and live better. You can see all details at www.lawrencevanlingen.com

In this conversation, we discuss the intricate connection between breathing, movement, and our overall wellbeing. Lawrence explains how incorrect breathing not only affects our physical health but also impacts our stress levels, anxiety, mood, and even our relationships with others.

Lawrence also explains how 3 practices: normalising our breathing patterns, walking backwards and using a flow rope – can prove transformative for so many. These are simple yet powerful techniques that can revolutionise not only how you move, but also how you feel.

We explore the fascinating concept of how our bodies store emotions and trauma and how movement can be a powerful tool for release and healing. What I love about Lawrence’s holistic approach is how he looks at the whole body as a system, acknowledging that to move well, we need to focus on what’s happening ‘upstream’ in our lives that could be impacting our physical health.

We also touch on some thought-provoking philosophical ideas. Lawrence challenges us to consider whether we’re ‘happening to life, or life is happening to us,’ encouraging a more active and intentional approach to our movement and overall health. His ‘mastery, not medals’ mantra offers a refreshing perspective on achievement and personal growth. For those interested in the technical side of running, we also discuss the phenomenon of ‘super shoes’ and their potential benefits.

I myself have been doing one of Lawrence’s breathing routines that I first learned about on his YouTube channel and have experienced the incredible benefits. And, by the end of our conversation, you’ll have the tools to start making positive changes in your own life, too.

This episode is not just about running or physical health; it’s a deep dive into how we can live more authentically and connect better with our bodies and minds.

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

Click here for more on our sponsor drinkAG1.com/livemore

Find out more about our sponsor vivobarefoot.com/livemore

Find out more about our sponsor essilor.com

Click here for more about our sponsor airbnb.co.uk/host

Watch the video version of the conversation here:

Connect with Lawrence:

Website      Instagram     

YouTube      Twitter

Lawrence’s online community for 20% off use the discount code FBLM20

Related Feel Better Live More Episodes:

#216 The Secret To Pain-Free Running (and Walking!) with Helen Hall

#434 Why Running Isn’t Bad For Your Knees, How To Exercise Without Pain & Move Faster (Without Even Trying!) with Helen Hall

#481 How To Run And Walk Without Pain & How To Tackle Stress Incontinence When Nothing Else Works with Helen Hall

Find out more about my Journal:

The Three Question Journal

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter

Click here to subscribe to Friday Five

Subscribe to Feel Better Live More:

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms click here.

Dr Chatterjee’s books and resources:

para

*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

†Disclosure: All books marked with a † are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We take part in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon’s website. You are not charged any extra by using these links to purchase books.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee MbChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP, MRCGP