Fitness
**Movement Logic: Strong Opinions, Loosely Held**

Welcome to the Movement Logic Podcast, with yoga teacher and strength coach Laurel Beversdorf, and physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court. With over 30 years combined experience in the yoga, movement and physical therapy worlds, we believe in strong ideas, loosely held – which means we’re not hyping outdated movement concepts. Instead, we’re here with up-to-date and cutting-edge tools, evidence and ideas to help you as a mover and a teacher. Music: Makani by Scandinavianz & AXM

Latest Episodes:

89: Is Dead Butt Syndrome Real? Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, host Laurel Beversdorf explores the concept of 'dead butt syndrome' or 'gluteal amnesia', debunking both as a non-evidence-based myths perpetuated in fitness and health discussions. Laurel discusses the misleading information in a recent New York Times article titled Sitting All Day Can Cause Dead Butt Syndrome, and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based terms and ideas in understanding pain and body function. She outlines the dangers of accepting unsupported medical terms, advises on better exercise practices, and stresses the significance of regular, whole-body strength training for overall health. Listener feedback is also addressed, touching on the podcast's approach to myth-busting and health education.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Check-In

01:17 Understanding Dead Butt Syndrome

03:03 Debunking the Myth: Evidence and Expert Opinions

06:10 Critique of the New York Times Article

09:12 Addressing Listener Feedback

12:51 The Problem with Sensationalism in Media

16:45 The Complexity of Pain and Misleading Diagnoses

32:28 Exploring Gluteus Maximus Firing Patterns

33:11 Factors Predicting Athletic Injuries

33:48 Critiquing the New York Times Article

34:18 Debunking Gluteal Amnesia Myths

36:02 The Problem with Pathologizing Normal

44:23 Understanding Muscle Cramping

56:45 Effective Movement and Pain Prevention

58:23 Upcoming Classes and Courses

Free offerings mentioned in this podcast:

Take a free class with Laurel and get the replay - Escape the Gride: A Multi-Planar Banded Flow

Get on the Waitlist for Bone Density Course and get the only discount for Spring 2025 cohort

Get the free Bone Density Mini-Course: Barbell 101

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Greg Lehman on "Trojan horsing"

Conspirituality Podcast on Post-Truth America

Sitting All Day Can Cause Dead Butt Syndrome

Have the Butt Muscles of the World Gone Silent?

Muscle Recruitment Patterns During the Prone Leg Extension

Test showing more gm activity in presence of pain

People with low back pain do not have a delayed firing of GM

88: Evidence-Based Pilates Podcast Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

In this very special Inbetweenie, we're interviewed by Dr. Adam McAtee, PT, on his Evidence-Based Pilates podcast to talk all things bone density.

You will learn:

· The 3 aspects that make up bone strength: BMD, bone size, and bone architecture

· Catabolism and anabolism across your lifespan

· Why Pilates and yoga aren’t going to cut it long term for bone building

· How weight bearing and weight lifting are not the same thing

· What types of exercise will impact bone density

· How and why intensity is relative

· Why a jumpboard on a reformer does not count as impact training

And more!

Links:

Get our free Bone Density Mini Course by signing up for our mailing list

2-Week Free Trial of the Anatomy & Biomechanics Club: https://www.evidence-basedpilates.com/anatomy-and-biomechanics-club-2-week-free-trial

Adam's Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/adammcateepilates/

87: 2 Strength Myths Busted Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

In this in-between episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel discusses two major myths: the longevity significance of grip strength and the role of single leg exercises in improving balance. The discussion touches on the misinterpretations of grip strength's correlation with health and longevity, different types of grip and their training, and the genetic factors influencing grip strength. It also covers the efficacy of using gloves and straps. Additionally, the episode explores how single leg exercises contribute to overall strength and balance, challenging the notion that these exercises are essential for improving balance and athletic performance.

00:00 Introduction to Mythmas Season

00:47 Debunking the Grip Strength Myth

04:49 Understanding Different Types of Grip

08:54 The Role of Genetics in Grip Strength

17:25 Exploring Single Leg Exercises

22:50 Benefits and Misconceptions of Unilateral Exercises

31:09 Conclusion and Free Mini Course Offer

Grab our Free Mini Course: Barbell 101

Barbell Guide

Stronger By Science: The Evidence-Based Guide to Grip Strength Training & Forearm Muscle Development

86: What the Osteoboost? Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

In this in-between episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Sarah discusses a new product for osteopenia called Osteoboost, a wearable medical device that uses gentle vibrations to improve bone density and strength, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments. Sarah delves into the research behind the device, its FDA clearance, and its effectiveness compared to medication and exercise. She emphasizes the importance of heavy lifting for bone health, and expresses concerns about people relying solely on passive treatments like Osteoboost instead of engaging in comprehensive exercise routines.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:20 Introduction to Osteoboost

03:00 How Osteoboost Works

04:30 Research and Development Behind Osteoboost

09:30 Clinical Trials and Results

13:37 Comparing Osteoboost to Traditional Treatments

17:21 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Osteoboost website

Wellen website

Click here to get on our mailing list for a FREE barbell mini course, access to discounts on our full Bone Density Program, and more!

85: Boosting Recovery: What Really Works Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

In this solo episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel Beversdorf dives into the topic of exercise recovery. She differentiates between the physiological 'Big R' recovery and the 'little r' recovery, or aggressively marketed “recovery optimization” practices that the wellness industry loves to sell. Laurel discusses how sleep, nutrition, and strategic exercise stress management are critical to effective “big R’ recovery and clarifies why many marketed recovery methods may not be as effective as claimed. She emphasizes the importance of balancing exercise with adequate recovery to prevent injuries and achieve the positive adaptations and health outcomes we’re looking for when we exercise.

00:00 Introduction to exercise recovery

01:23 Understanding recovery: the basics

02:37 The rise of commercialized recovery “optimization practices” and why these are different from the recovery your body will do on its own if you let it.

03:56 The essentials of recovery - time, resources, and strategy

07:55 Misconceptions surrounding “recovery optimization” practices

09:55 The importance of exercise

12:27 Balancing exercise and recovery

18:54 Practical tips for effective recovery

28:26 Final thoughts and encouragement

Links:

Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery by Christie Aschwanden

Dr Steph Mundt - managing bone stress injuries and relative energy deficiency in our athletes on the Movement Optimism podcast

Post-exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling and long-term adaptations in muscle to strength training

Research on cool downs:

Pernigoni et al (2023) PMID: 37039750

Afonso et al (2021) PMID: 34025459

Mechelen et al (1993) PMID: 8238713

CDC - General Physical Activity Guidelines

Laurel's Instagram post about recovery

84: Trick or Truth? Six Ways to Spot Exercise for Osteoporosis Misinformation Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 84 of the Movement Logic podcast! In this Inbetweenie, Laurel and Sarah Court discuss health misinformation and practical tips for spotting misinformation around exercise for osteoporosis, “in the wild”.

00:00 Introduction
01:07 Bone Density Course update
02:22 Continuing the discussion on science and pseudoscience
04:56 Yoga U email and legal considerations
08:14 Six tricks of non-evidence based advice
20:45 Spotting pseudoscience and critical thinking
33:45 Becoming more science literate
35:45 Conclusion

Links:

Episode 79: Make Yoga U Make Sense

Alignment Dogma series parts 1, 2, and 3

The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe

Yoga Research & Beyond podcast with Jules Mitchell & Ariana Raven

Adam Meakins on IG

Greg Lehman's Blog

83: A Tale of Two Seniors Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 83 of the Movement Logic podcast! In this Inbetweenie episode, Sarah discusses the importance of ‘banking’ capacities like strength, balance, and endurance, in order to have the best possible last 10 years of your life. Drawing from some real-life encounters, she compares how two very different lifestyle choices have led to two very different final decades for two women.

Links:

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

82: Weird Science: When It Doesn't All Add Up Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 82 of the Movement Logic podcast! In this episode, Laurel and Sarah navigate the worlds of science, pseudoscience, and outdated science.

We’ll be looking at claims from a range of topics, including crystals, Reiki, and Ayurveda, to personality tests, fad diets, yoga, Pilates, physical therapy and CAM treatments.

Our discussion is organized around the "non-negotiable ingredients" of a science-based claim to separate pseudoscience from outdated ideas and solidly science-based claims.

REFERENCES: Posture Panic: Pt. 1, 2, and 3,Dexa Scammed?, Walk Your Bones Stronger?, Knee Myths, McGill - 62 and 74, Meakins, Long & Lean: Pt. 1, 2, and 3, Make Yoga U Make Sense, Alignment Dogma: Shoulders, Spine, and Pelvis, Nutrition, Y oga w Jake, Conspirituality on Terrence Howard, Unbiased Science: Acupuncture, Cupping, Decoding the Gurus, Maintenance Phase Myers-Briggs, Beall's List, Onero

81: Testify: Bone Density Course Alums Share Their Experiences Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 81 of the Movement Logic podcast! In this episode, Laurel and Sarah talk to four women who took the Bone Density Course: Lift for Longevity last year about their experiences. Whether it’s reversing an osteoporosis diagnosis, to feeling more capable in all aspects of their lives, each woman has a unique perspective on their experience to share. In this episode you will hear from:

Bea, who first discovered yoga from a book back in the 80s, and became a long-time yoga teacher, but who realized over time that was missing the strength part.
Kathy, a private yoga teacher from Washington, D.C. She came across Movement Logic on social media and after receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis, decided she wanted to try and overcome it using heavy lifting.
Bridgette, a 48-year-old yoga teacher from Canada, who is currently in perimenopause, and wanted to address the symptoms that she was experiencing as well as shore up some solid bones.
Samm, a Pilates instructor and sports massage therapist from England, who got into Pilates to try and help her bad back. She found us through our podcast, and had no hesitation in signing up to get stronger.

Only a few days left to sign up for this year’s Bone Density Course: Lift for Longevity - so don’t delay!

80: Posture Panic Pt. 3 with Author Dr. Beth Linker, PhD Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 80 of the Movement Logic podcast! In this episode, Laurel and Sarah are joined by Dr. Beth Linker, PhD. Beth Linker, a former physical therapist, is an author and professor of the history of science, disability, and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her most recent book, Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, reveals the little-known and surprising origins of our fears and ideas about poor posture. In this episode you will learn:

How Dr. Linker transitioned from physical therapist to professor and author, and (then also) yoga teacher
Where her interest in posture first began
The most surprising discovery she made while writing her book on the history of posture
The origin of physical therapy
That the modern postural yoga practice is not a centuries old practice
How opinions about good and bad posture influence the judgment calls made on people’s competence and character
The relationship between posture-shaming and disability discrimination.
The difference between posture correction and posture modification
The value of posture modification for different individuals
What a positive shift might look like with regards to changing society’s attitudes toward posture
inactivity.

Sign up here for our FREE Live Strength Class (and sample our Bone Density Course) on September 19th at 8:30am PT/11:30am ET with free replay!

Reference links:

Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, by Beth Linker

Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice

Episode 73: Posture Panic Pt. 1

Episode 76: Posture Panic Pt. 2