The Rise of the Workout Witch: Healing Through Movement and Social Media
June 26, 2025, 7:36 pm
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
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Founded date: 1892
In a world that often feels chaotic, Liz Tenuto has emerged as a beacon of hope. Known as “The Workout Witch” on TikTok, she has captivated millions with her unique approach to healing through somatic movement. Her journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of community.
Liz Tenuto is not your average fitness influencer. At 40, she has turned her struggles into a source of strength. Chronic pain and insomnia once plagued her life. To understand these challenges, she pursued a degree in psychology. This academic path led her to psychotherapy, where she discovered techniques like EMDR. But it was a suggestion from her ballet teacher that truly changed her trajectory. The teacher noticed Tenuto’s dissociation when she wasn’t dancing and nudged her toward somatic classes.
Initially skeptical, Tenuto entered the world of somatic exercises. To her, it looked like a group of people rolling around in pajamas. Yet, she soon realized the profound impact these movements had on her body and mind. Somatic exercises focus on micro-movements, emphasizing feelings over appearances. They are designed to relieve tension and help individuals reconnect with their bodies.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in this process. It operates in different states: fight-or-flight, freeze, and a balanced state known as the ventral vagal state. Somatic exercises aim to guide individuals into this balanced state, promoting emotional regulation and safety. It’s akin to building muscle; the more you practice, the stronger your new neural pathways become.
The pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point for Tenuto. As the world shut down, she turned to TikTok, sharing her somatic exercises. What began as a personal accountability tool quickly blossomed into a viral sensation. Her follower count skyrocketed from zero to 10,000 in just weeks. Today, she boasts over 2.2 million followers.
Tenuto’s videos resonate with many. They offer a glimpse into healing trauma, alleviating anxiety, and moving away from a state of “functional freeze.” Her moniker, “The Workout Witch,” reflects the almost magical experience many have when engaging with her exercises. It’s not sorcery; it’s neuroscience at work.
The impact of her work extends beyond numbers. Tenuto finds a deep sense of purpose in sharing her journey. She has transformed her pain into a platform for healing. Her story is a reminder that vulnerability can lead to strength.
In a different realm, communication skills are equally vital for success. For young professionals, mastering the art of speaking is crucial. Bill McGowan, a communication expert, emphasizes the importance of slowing down when speaking. Fast talkers often come across as unsure. They risk losing their audience’s attention.
Speaking slowly conveys confidence. It allows for clarity and connection. McGowan advises against filler words that often creep in when people rush. The key is to breathe deeply and take your time. This deliberate pace reflects self-assurance.
Young professionals often feel pressured to prove themselves quickly. Social media exacerbates this, promoting rapid-fire communication. However, in professional settings, speed can undermine authority. McGowan notes that confident speakers take their time. They understand the value of their words.
To cultivate this skill, one must practice. Rehearsing speeches ensures clarity and conciseness. When you know your material, you can afford to slow down. Broad gestures and mindful movements can also enhance delivery. They create a rhythm that aligns with speech, making communication more engaging.
Both Tenuto and McGowan highlight the importance of connection—whether through movement or words. In a world that often feels disconnected, their messages resonate. Healing and communication are not just personal journeys; they are communal experiences.
As Tenuto continues to inspire through her somatic exercises, she reminds us that healing is possible. Her journey from chronic pain to viral sensation is a testament to resilience. She has built a community around shared experiences and healing.
Similarly, McGowan’s insights on communication serve as a guide for young professionals. In a fast-paced world, the ability to slow down and connect is invaluable. It fosters understanding and builds relationships.
In conclusion, the stories of Liz Tenuto and Bill McGowan intersect at the heart of human experience. Healing and communication are essential threads in the fabric of our lives. Whether through movement or words, both paths lead to connection. In a world that often feels overwhelming, these journeys remind us of our shared humanity. They encourage us to embrace vulnerability, practice patience, and seek connection.
As we navigate our own paths, let us remember the power of movement and the art of communication. Both can lead to profound transformation. Both can help us heal. And both can unite us in our shared quest for understanding and connection.
Liz Tenuto is not your average fitness influencer. At 40, she has turned her struggles into a source of strength. Chronic pain and insomnia once plagued her life. To understand these challenges, she pursued a degree in psychology. This academic path led her to psychotherapy, where she discovered techniques like EMDR. But it was a suggestion from her ballet teacher that truly changed her trajectory. The teacher noticed Tenuto’s dissociation when she wasn’t dancing and nudged her toward somatic classes.
Initially skeptical, Tenuto entered the world of somatic exercises. To her, it looked like a group of people rolling around in pajamas. Yet, she soon realized the profound impact these movements had on her body and mind. Somatic exercises focus on micro-movements, emphasizing feelings over appearances. They are designed to relieve tension and help individuals reconnect with their bodies.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in this process. It operates in different states: fight-or-flight, freeze, and a balanced state known as the ventral vagal state. Somatic exercises aim to guide individuals into this balanced state, promoting emotional regulation and safety. It’s akin to building muscle; the more you practice, the stronger your new neural pathways become.
The pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point for Tenuto. As the world shut down, she turned to TikTok, sharing her somatic exercises. What began as a personal accountability tool quickly blossomed into a viral sensation. Her follower count skyrocketed from zero to 10,000 in just weeks. Today, she boasts over 2.2 million followers.
Tenuto’s videos resonate with many. They offer a glimpse into healing trauma, alleviating anxiety, and moving away from a state of “functional freeze.” Her moniker, “The Workout Witch,” reflects the almost magical experience many have when engaging with her exercises. It’s not sorcery; it’s neuroscience at work.
The impact of her work extends beyond numbers. Tenuto finds a deep sense of purpose in sharing her journey. She has transformed her pain into a platform for healing. Her story is a reminder that vulnerability can lead to strength.
In a different realm, communication skills are equally vital for success. For young professionals, mastering the art of speaking is crucial. Bill McGowan, a communication expert, emphasizes the importance of slowing down when speaking. Fast talkers often come across as unsure. They risk losing their audience’s attention.
Speaking slowly conveys confidence. It allows for clarity and connection. McGowan advises against filler words that often creep in when people rush. The key is to breathe deeply and take your time. This deliberate pace reflects self-assurance.
Young professionals often feel pressured to prove themselves quickly. Social media exacerbates this, promoting rapid-fire communication. However, in professional settings, speed can undermine authority. McGowan notes that confident speakers take their time. They understand the value of their words.
To cultivate this skill, one must practice. Rehearsing speeches ensures clarity and conciseness. When you know your material, you can afford to slow down. Broad gestures and mindful movements can also enhance delivery. They create a rhythm that aligns with speech, making communication more engaging.
Both Tenuto and McGowan highlight the importance of connection—whether through movement or words. In a world that often feels disconnected, their messages resonate. Healing and communication are not just personal journeys; they are communal experiences.
As Tenuto continues to inspire through her somatic exercises, she reminds us that healing is possible. Her journey from chronic pain to viral sensation is a testament to resilience. She has built a community around shared experiences and healing.
Similarly, McGowan’s insights on communication serve as a guide for young professionals. In a fast-paced world, the ability to slow down and connect is invaluable. It fosters understanding and builds relationships.
In conclusion, the stories of Liz Tenuto and Bill McGowan intersect at the heart of human experience. Healing and communication are essential threads in the fabric of our lives. Whether through movement or words, both paths lead to connection. In a world that often feels overwhelming, these journeys remind us of our shared humanity. They encourage us to embrace vulnerability, practice patience, and seek connection.
As we navigate our own paths, let us remember the power of movement and the art of communication. Both can lead to profound transformation. Both can help us heal. And both can unite us in our shared quest for understanding and connection.