Finding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body

When conventional workouts leave hypermobile bodies feeling weaker, not stronger, Drew Ricciardi’s personal journey led him to The Monkey Body Method—a holistic approach that honors the unique needs of EDS bodies.

• You’ve been told to “just strengthen,” but you still feel unstable or hurt.

• Traditional gym routines make hypermobility symptoms worse.

• You want movement practices that work with your body’s flexibility, not against it.

• You’re curious about how nervous system regulation influences physical stability.

• You’re seeking hope and tools to help your body feel genuinely strong and supported.

Drew shares how he built a movement system from scratch, blending therapeutic strategies tailored to hypermobile bodies—no one-size-fits-all exercises here.

Discover why variable resistance is a game-changer for preventing joint overload and cultivating real, sustainable strength for EDS warriors.

Explore the often-overlooked link between nervous system regulation and stability, and learn techniques to down-regulate for safer, more effective practice.

Nutrition, environment, and somatic awareness: how each element plays a pivotal role in creating a stable, resilient body.

Drew’s own hypermobility story fuels every facet of his method—because sometimes the deepest expertise comes from firsthand experience.

• 02:54 – Drew’s Story: “I had to figure out what my body actually needed, not what textbooks said.”

• 11:16 – Variable Resistance Breakthrough: Why it shields joints and builds strength where it matters.

• 21:19 – Nervous System Stability: Linking emotional safety to physical integrity—rethink “core strength.”

• 35:14 – Hypermobile Real Talk: Navigating the day-to-day challenges and victories.

• 45:32 – Dynamic Safety: Designing movement experiences that cultivate true confidence in your body.

“Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery.”
“Community support enhances the healing journey.”
“Innovation happens when we stop accepting ‘this is just how it is’ and start asking, ‘What if there’s a better way?’”

Connect with Drew & The Monkey Body

• Website & social links

• Deep dive into variable resistance training for hypermobility

Topics Covered

• Somatic movement in trauma recovery

• Incremental progression for chronic conditions

• Safe cardiovascular training for EDS

Stay Connected Subscribe to Empowered EDS on your favorite podcast platform, and join our thriving community redefining strength for hypermobile bodies.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome • hypermobility • therapeutic movement • somatic therapy • nervous system regulation • dynamic stability • variable resistance • trauma-informed practice

Every conversation reminds us of our mission: to offer movement that feels empowering, never depleting. Whether you’re new to therapeutic movement or searching for fresh strategies, Drew’s lived experience and innovative method bring hope that your body can feel supported and strong.

Remember: you’re not broken—you just need approaches built for your body.

Lauren, Jason & the Connective Wellness Team
Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear how Drew’s insights resonate with your journey—reach out anytime!