In this episode of the Davis Fitness Method Podcast, Steven Davis sits down with Dr. Miguel Almario, Doctor of Physical Therapy and co-owner of Arete Project, to explore the intersection of dance, strength training, and rehabilitation.
Miguel shares his journey from a late-starting b-boy to physical therapist, and how movement, rhythm, and strength all connect through the same language — understanding your body.
They discuss:
Why foundational strength matters for dancers
How graded e...
In this episode of the Davis Fitness Method Podcast, Steven Davis sits down with Dr. Miguel Almario, Doctor of Physical Therapy and co-owner of Arete Project, to explore the intersection of dance, strength training, and rehabilitation.
Miguel shares his journey from a late-starting b-boy to physical therapist, and how movement, rhythm, and strength all connect through the same language — understanding your body.
They discuss:
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Why foundational strength matters for dancers
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How graded exposure and progressive overload rebuild confidence after injury
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The difference between learning choreography vs. truly learning dance
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How holistic coaching considers stress, sleep, and lifestyle
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And why dancing well is often about learning to listen before learning to move.
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Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
Steven welcomes Dr. Miguel Almario and introduces the topic of bridging dance and strength.
02:30 – Miguel’s Origin Story
How Miguel started dancing late in high school, fell in love with breaking, and turned that passion into a full-time pursuit.
07:45 – From LA to Physical Therapy
Transitioning from the entertainment dance scene to pursuing PT school — merging science and art.
13:10 – Building a Coaching Philosophy
Why Miguel doesn’t push a single method and how he starts with understanding the individual first.
17:25 – What Dance Students Are Missing
The modern gap in movement foundations — squatting, hinging, and shifting weight — and why dance classes often skip these basics.
21:40 – How to Start Learning Dance Properly
Breaking down Groove Foundations and how Arete Project teaches rhythm, timing, and movement before choreography.
28:10 – The Connection Between Strength & Dance
Why strength is the foundation for freedom of movement, and how training can enhance art instead of taking away from it.
35:25 – Vetting a Good Coach or Teacher
Green flags and red flags when looking for credible dance instruction.
43:10 – Training Frequency & Programming for Dancers
How often dancers should strength train and how to balance it with practice volume.
48:00 – Managing Pain & Injury
How Miguel uses load management and graded exposure instead of avoidance — “It’s rarely the exercise, it’s the dosage.”
54:20 – The Psychology of Recovery
Why mindset and self-belief are critical to rehabilitation and long-term progress.
59:45 – Parallels Between Exposure Therapy & Strength Training
How exercise acts as a form of exposure therapy — facing the fear of movement one step at a time.
1:07:00 – The Power of Movement Confidence
How helping people “find their version of bending over” (and laughing through it) builds resilience and self-trust.
1:12:15 – Final Takeaways
Miguel demystifies dance, encouraging everyone to learn at their own pace — “It’s never too late to start, you just need the right guide.”
1:14:30 – Outro
Where to find Miguel and Arete Project online.
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Valuable Quotes
“I don’t really see dance and physical therapy as separate — they feed each other.” — Dr. Miguel Amario
“Before I start shoving movement down your throat, I want to understand who you are and why you’re here.” — Miguel
“People think they’re learning dance when they’re really just learning choreography. Dance starts with listening.” — Miguel
“Your goal isn’t to crawl out of the gym sore — it’s to dance better.” — Miguel
“It’s rarely the exercise itself that hurts — it’s the dosage.” — Steven Davis
“Exposure therapy and progressive overload are basically the same thing — small wins rebuild belief.” — Steven Davis
“You can’t avoid bending forward forever — the goal is to find your flavor of bending over.” — Miguel Amario
“It’s never too late to learn something new; you just need the right environment.” — Miguel
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Key Insights & Value Takeaways
1.
Holistic Coaching Starts with Listening
Before prescribing movement, understand the person — their goals, stress, and environment.
2.
Strong Foundations Make Better Dancers
You can’t move freely if you lack basic joint control and awareness. Strength and coordination create artistic expression.
3.
Graded Exposure = Confidence Rebuilt
Whether in PT or dance, confidence grows through small, progressive challenges — not avoidance.
4.
Artistry Meets Athletics
Dance requires real athleticism — some movements generate forces equal to 7–15x bodyweight.
5.
Vet Your Teachers
Good teachers can explain why you’re doing something, not just what you’re doing.
6.
Twice a Week Strength Training Works
For dancers training multiple times a week, 2 focused gym sessions can dramatically improve performance and resilience.
7.
Mindset Is Medicine
How coaches speak to clients matters as much as what they prescribe. Confidence is a performance enhancer.
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Where to Find Miguel & Arete Project
If this episode resonated with you:
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Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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Share it with a friend who loves movement
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Follow @the_mister_davis and @the_arete_project for more discussions bridging science and movement
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