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Rachel wrote for me when I was the fitness editor at SELF, and I always looked forward to editing her work. Her deep knowledge of physical therapy topics coupled with her writing skills and ability to take edits and turn around clear, helpful service content made my job so much easier—an editor’s dream. It’s been a few years since we worked together and I’ve assigned to many more writers since then, yet I still consider her one of the top contributors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I always hope we’ll have a chance to collaborate again in the future!

- AMY MARTURANA WINDERL

Freelance journalist and former deputy editor at SELF

Working with Rachel has been an absolute pleasure. Her timeliness and organizational skills made meeting deadlines a seamless process. Rachel possesses a unique talent for articulating a practitioner's knowledge in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to those encountering the information for the first time. Throughout our collaboration, I felt not only heard as a practitioner but also expertly represented in her work. Without a doubt, I would choose to work with her again, a hundred times over.

- DANI LUNA, DPT

Owner of Vida Physical Therapy

I’ve had the pleasure to work with Rachel over two decades with our relationships spanning from colleague to brand partner! She is one of the hardest working, talented and kindest people I’ve come across in the industry.   Most recently we collaborated on a national multichannel brand partnership and Rachel went above and beyond. She brought an abundance of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism to the project.  Our client couldn’t have been happier with her on camera performance, on point deliverables and dedication as a partner to go that extra mile.

- LINDSAY FERRARO BENNETT

PR Executive at Pace Public Relations

I'd been plagued with wrist pain for months, and though it had gotten slightly better, it had definitely plateaued. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, I was unable to begin seeing a physical therapist, as I had planned. Lucky for me, Rachel began offering virtual sessions! She walked me through some stretches and exercises that I can do every day to strengthen my wrist and help with mobility. After our session, she emailed a plan that included descriptions of all the exercises. A week later, I was able to do a full sun salutation pain-free for the first time since I'd injured my wrist. I'm so grateful for her kind attention and deep knowledge!

- EJ

Patient

HI, NICE TO MEET YOU

I’m Rachel. I’m a doctor of physical therapy, certified strength and conditioning specialist, writer and runner, and I can’t wait to connect with you.

My career began in the magazine industry in New York City. I graduated from Bowdoin College, moved back to my hometown (Manhattan), and began working towards the life I thought I was supposed to have — until I realized that life was not for me.

 

In my early 20s, I left my office job in NYC to work as a travel writer in Central and South America. As the adventures piled up, I gained clarity about my life and career goals. Eventually, I realized my passion for connecting with others, and helping them become their strongest and best selves.

 

I left my travel writing job in Ecuador to pursue a doctorate degree at NYU, and eventually became a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Several years of working in a physical therapy clinic taught me once again what I always knew: this was only the beginning of my professional mission to help others.

 

When the pandemic hit I was invited to co-author a book about stretching, I was asked to become a Health Advisory Board Member for Forbes Health, and I was offered a job as Director of Content for a digital health startup. I said yes to all of these opportunities, all while navigating new motherhood in an uncertain world. 

 

Now, I know what I want and what I have to offer. As a health and fitness expert, writer and entrepreneur, I’m ready to take on the world. But this time, I am not following anyone else’s playbook. I’m dedicating myself to the projects and people that feel right, and for which I know I can make an impact.

 

My door is always open. Let’s make waves in the health and fitness industry together.

CREDENTIALS

EDUCATION:

  • New York University: Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) 

  • Bowdoin College: Bachelors Degree (BA) in Spanish & Archaeology 

  • Harvard Extension School & NYU: Pre-Health Studies Coursework

CERTIFICATIONS:

  • New York State Licensed Physical Therapist

  • Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

  • Certified in Functional Mobilization I (FM1) by the Institute of Physical Arts (IPA)

  • Certified in Basic Mat Pilates by Polestar Pilates

MEMBERSHIPS:

  • American Physical Therapy Associate (APTA)

  • National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

  • Forbes Health Advisory Board since 2021

SPECIALTIES:

  • BASI Pilates Trained in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac and Apparatus

  • Running related rehab and prehab

  • Postpartum return to running

  • Postpartum strength training

  • Exercises for women over 50

  • Injury prevention

FIND ME FEATURED IN

How To Start Running: A Beginner's Guide

December 8, 2023

Forbes

How To Start Running: A Beginner's Guide

Running offers a wide array of health benefits for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Running elevates your heart rate, strengthens the heart and improves blood pressure, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. In fact, according to...

Stretch Yourself Healthy Guide: Easy Routines to Relieve Pain, Boost Energy, and Feel Refreshed: By Dr. Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS and the Editors of Prevention

January 13, 2021

Personal

Stretch Yourself Healthy Guide: Easy Routines to Relieve Pain, Boost Energy, and Feel Refreshed: By Dr. Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS and the Editors of Prevention

Aging and life can leave your body stiff, tired, and tense. This guide undoes it all. Inside, you’ll get:

- 50+ essential stretches, plus modifications.

- Step-by-step descriptions and photographs for getting each stretch just right.

- Compl...

How Mourning Runs Have Helped Me Grieve My Dad’s Death

April 8, 2018

Self

How Mourning Runs Have Helped Me Grieve My Dad’s Death

I loved my dad’s hands. They were soft and always warm, no matter how cold it was outside. As a kid, I would hold his hand every chance I got. On a sunny Tuesday just before Thanksgiving last year, surrounded by my mom, four siblings, and several lif...

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