E165 Tom Swales Movement Self-Awareness
Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 165
Date: March 25, 2025
Participants: John Webster, Riley Thompson and Cameron Earnshaw
Guest: Tom Swales
Start Times and Segments:
[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: We discuss whether believing in success makes it more likely to happen. While some see it as a placebo effect, a positive mindset can boost motivation and persistence. Through examples from sports, job applications, and daily life, we explore how belief influences actions and agree that optimism often improves outcomes, even if it doesn’t guarantee them.
[0:10:45] Expanding Minds Interview: [Physical Wellness] Tom Swales addresses the role of self-awareness in preventing injuries. He explains how many injuries stem from unnoticed, repetitive movements and how simple self-checks—like assessing posture, flexibility, and balance—can reveal potential issues. We explore how small daily habits, such as sitting on the floor and mindful breathing, improve movement and reduce tension. Tom introduces his quick self-awareness movement scan, designed to help individuals maintain mobility efficiently. He also shares how reconnecting with art enhances focus and creativity, demonstrating the broader impact of self-awareness on both physical and mental well-being.
[0:29:58] Running Popup: A recent article accords with my experiences - Pursuing happiness can make people unhappy. I see happiness as one emotion among many. I prefer to savour happiness when I feel it (it’s often fleeting), rather than chasing it. It works better for me to be intentional about doing activities that foster areas of wellness.
[0:32:40] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron is focusing on his corner of the world amidst global challenges. He’s collaborating on a new song (True North Frame of Mind) and his separate Shania Twain and Bruce Springsteen tribute bands. He’s excited to record some of his own music and to play live for the soundtrack of the short film "Fire Escape," with the album launch on April 4th.
Takeaways:
Tom – Self-awareness in movement leads to better overall health and injury prevention.
Tom – Small discomfort signals often precede bigger pain and injuries.
Tom – Sitting on the floor encourages posture changes and mobility.
Tom – Poor breathing habits contribute to neck and shoulder tension.
Tom – A quick self-awareness movement scan can detect mobility issues early.
Tom – Ignoring small, repeated stressors leads to chronic pain over time.
Guest Information: Tom Swales earned his Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training and later completed his Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario. He secured advanced certifications in areas such as manual therapy, strength and conditioning, acupuncture, and neurology. Tom’s expertise is highly sought after by health professionals looking to improve their practice in areas like injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance training. He’s a trusted clinician and mentor in orthopedic healthcare. He’s the Founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification. He’s Passionate about empowering health professionals with practical, results-driven education.
Instagram: @swales.tom
Facebook: Advanced Movement Therapy System
Website: amtcertified.ca
YouTube: @Tommyswales
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Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley