In this episode, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk about menopause and movement. They discuss menopause as a natural developmental phase that humans share with only a few other highly social marine mammals. They explain the evolution of menopause in relation to the role of grandmothers within human—and whale—societies and also explore the movement diet of postmenopausal women within hunter-gatherer tribes.Katy and Jeannette discuss health concerns that arise around menopause: bone osteoporosis, muscle loss and cardiovascular issues and how movement is key to maintaining those tissues. They speak to the loud media noise around ‘heavy lifting’ and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as the ways to stay strong. They explain that we absolutely require muscle strengthening and bone loading activity as well as some intense heart and lung movement. However, the way we get those movements could be, but does not have to be, in a gym. They share ideas on how to get the movement our bodies need, in ways that we enjoy and work for us as individuals.Finally, don't miss the end! Katy remembers to talk more about the benefits of  menopause, particularly in relation to remodeling of the brain. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks with biologist Jeannette Loram about lung movement.Katy and Jeannette debate whether the lung surfaces are actually outside the body, similar to the tubes of the gut, and discuss how lung movement is not only important for breathing but also for immunity. They discuss the anatomy of our lungs and the mechanics of lung movement and explain how our lungs, just like our hips, have a range of motion that they need to be moved through on a regular basis.They discuss humans as endurance-adapted animals and explain how our ribcage anatomy is adapted for greater lung movement compared with non-endurance animals. They also discuss postural issues such as hyperkyphosis and forward shoulders that can limit our ability to take good breaths.Finally, they touch on some unique breathing scenarios such as high-altitude and aquatic environments. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk all about swimming. They discuss the history of human swimming; whether humans are natural-born swimmers, evidence for swimming in the past and physiological adaptations found in swimming and diving cultures.They discuss the four classic swimming strokes as well as other ways to move in the water and explore the movement macro-and micro-nutrients found in swimming. They talk about joint and bone support and the trade-offs of exercising in buoyant water. They also offer tips for avoiding swimming-related neck and back pain.Finally, Katy and Jeannette touch on the aquatic Olympics and athletic longevity and also share their personal swimming histories and favorite ways of moving through the water. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk with English professor Vybarr Cregan-Reid about books and the body. Katy, Jeannette and Vybarr discuss being ‘rescued’ by books, the value of fiction in developing empathy, reading as a workout for the brain, how literacy may have changed our brain and the current denigration of fiction within education. They debate ideas about the evolution of storytelling and its role within different cultures, whether reading is a high-tech version of storytelling and how oral story differs from written story. They also touch on how writing and reading can be hard on the body and offer some personal tips for offsetting long hours of writing.  --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Following on from our Hiking Poles episode, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram answer all your other questions about hiking. Katy and Jeannette discuss how to prepare for hiking, walking with a backpack, hiking gear and clothing and how to manage fatigue or pain. They flesh out the functional movements involved in hiking, why downhill can be so hard on the knees and calves and how a backpack changes the loads to your body. Katy also provides a weekly plan of exercises to support hiking and explains how swimming and walking are the perfect movement pair. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

To Hiking pole, or not to hiking pole, is the question that biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram address in this episode.The use of poles has become a hotly debated topic among hikers and Katy and Jeannette dive in to help explore the issue. They discuss how poles are used in fitness and hiking scenarios, as well as their potential advantages and disadvantages. They specifically get into how the arms and upper body can be used during hiking and explain the mechanics of walking uphill and downhill with poles. They discuss how poles can be useful tools to support balance, decrease fatigue and prevent joint discomfort, but also explain how relying on poles all of the time can leave us missing important movement nutrients and leave some parts of us undertrained. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss bunions; what they are, how they are created and what to do about them. Inspired by a recent article in National Geographic, they unpack the idea that bunions are a failure of evolution. Rather than being due to a poorly engineered toe, Katy and Jeannette show how bunions are actually created by forces of habit: restrictive footwear and certain walking patterns create forces that push and pull on our big toe and foot with every step we take. Find out how you need to look to the hip, as well as the foot, when working and walking to correct bunions. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and Parent Coach Mary Van Geffen talk about “Movement As Regulation” for spicy kids. Independent, non-conformist, neurodivergent and sensitive kids can be particularly thrown off kilter by social and movement restrictions. Mary and Katy discuss the need for these kids to express their feelings in a physical way. They unpack different types of movement, focussing particularly on outdoor play, big-body movement, combative play and controlled destruction, all of which can defuse the intensity of feeling and foster a sense of autonomy.Learn how as a parent, the number one tool in your toolbox is your body; why physical closeness, modelling movement and moving with your kids can support their physical and emotional needs. They give numerous fun examples of games and strategies you can try with the spicy ones® in your life. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram dig deeper into the concept of movement as nutrition in Katy’s new book “ My Perfect Movement Plan: The Move Your DNA All Day Workbook”. They discuss how the book will help you understand your current movement diet and show you how to create a more balanced movement diet going forward. They introduce tools from the book such as the S.L.O.T.H time budget model, as well as explore how to make the plan align with the reasons you want to move well and the movement that you find purposeful and meaningful. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biologist Jeannette Loram and Biomechanist Katy Bowman discuss movement “as nutrition”. Using familiar dietary terms, Katy and Jeannette unpack the concept of movement macronutrients, micronutrients and calories. They discuss how simply getting enough physical activity, or "movement calories", does not guarantee you are nourishing your whole body;  we also need to consider the general shape you take when moving - the macronutrients- and which parts of you are moving - the micronutrients. They discuss the movement patterns of heart-healthy hunter-gatherer tribes and how Katy has used these to create a ‘movement pyramid’ that can be used, similarly to a food pyramid, to guide a more optimal movement diet. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill joins biomechanist Katy Bowman for an enlightening episode about the delicate balance between setting high expectations and practicing self-compassion, particularly in the realms of movement and mindfulness. Discover how recognizing the constant movements in our lives can lead to intentional responses and holistic well-being. From debunking misconceptions to exploring practical exercises, Katy and Diana offer valuable insights into embracing self-compassion in movement and daily life.  --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Dr. Andrea Graves, an animal behavior expert, illuminates the profound significance of movement for animals and humans alike. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Katy and Andrea delve into the essential role of providing enriching environments for animals to express their natural behaviors authentically. From discussing innovative approaches like creating "chicken jungle gyms" to exploring the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in animal welfare, the conversation underscores the interconnectedness between movement, animal welfare, and environmental enrichment. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

On this episode of the Move Your DNA podcast, Katy and her special guest Dani Alexander reflect on the past year, discuss movement goals for 2024, and emphasize the importance of choosing a guiding word. They also explore personal experiences with living in walkable communities, navigating perimenopause, and general aging. Looking ahead, they share specific goals and strategies for incorporating more movement into their life - plus they select their new movement theme words for the year. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and her occasional co-host, Dani Alexander (an occupational therapist), explore the importance of grip strength for people of all ages. They discuss therapeutic interventions, such as weighted pencils and play-dough, to improve hand strength and sensory input. They also touch on the impact of weak grip strength on daily tasks and emphasize the need to incorporate grip-strengthening activities into everyday routines. Join Katy and Dani as they delve into the connection between grip strength, overall well-being, and maximizing our physical abilities.Episode Overview:0:00:01 Introduction and mention of previous New York Times features0:03:31 Recap of a previous podcast episode on grip strength0:06:18 Concerns about grip strength from a professional perspective0:08:26 Therapeutic Interventions for Children0:10:40 Play-Doh for Increasing Intrinsic Hand Strength0:13:20 Thera Putty as a Therapy Tool for Adults0:16:04 Importance of Hand Strength in Everyday Life0:24:05 Creating Playgrounds with Obstacle Courses for Kids0:27:04 Importance of diversity in hand use and overuse injuries.0:29:30 The technicality of different hand grips and their importance.0:30:39 Nourishing the Hands and Feet0:32:08 Wondering about the absence of someone in the bathroom0:34:30 Exploring the use of Therapuddy for hand strengthening0:36:54 Multiple approaches to hand training and arm strength development0:39:05 Assessing daily hand movements and seeking inspiration from others0:41:09 Grip Translates to All Finger and Hand Movement0:42:10 The Importance of Grip Strength in Daily Tasks0:44:16 Decline in Strength and Its Impact on Therapy Norms0:45:40 Lowering the Norms: A Frightening Shift in Fitness0:48:51 The Transcendence of Movement: Beyond Individual Body Parts0:49:41 A Salute to an Amazing Friendship --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Biomechanist, Katy Bowman and her husband Michael discuss foot injuries as a natural part of life. Sharing their own experiences, they emphasize the need for adjustments in movement patterns and highlight the importance of staying active as we age. They also address the psychological aspects of injury and provide strategies for avoiding future injuries. Overall, the message is to embrace change, prioritize healing, and always listen to your body.Episode Overview:0:00:01 Welcome to the Move Your DNA podcast0:00:26 Introduction: Focus on Foot Injuries0:03:05 Injury as an Adjustment Period in Life Stages0:10:35 Injury during a sprinting race on the sand0:20:10 Aging and Decreased Cardiovascular Capability0:24:12 The Importance of Maintaining Joyful Movement Amidst Injury0:29:14 Embracing the Valleys: Optimizing for Surviving, Not Just Thriving0:32:19 Finding Alternatives: Adapting to Injury and Changing Gait0:37:43 Embracing Change and Moving Forward0:39:53 The Framework for Troubleshooting Injuries

In this episode, Katy is talking about technology. Specifically where technology meets your head. No, not how technology affects mental health or how you think, but how it could be affecting the actual structure of your skull. Katy and her guests get into headphone dents, tech neck, and bone horns. Episode Overview:0:00:01 Welcome to the Move Your DNA podcast!0:00:31 Tech and Mental Health: How It Affects Your Head0:07:58 Discussing Head Dents0:11:56 The Dent Mystery: Seeking the Truth0:21:12 Importance of varied positioning for babies' development0:31:52 Strengthening tissues to handle increased load and shape changes0:32:33 The Horns Phenomenon and Click-Bait Headlines0:43:01 Natural selection and the success of sickle-shaped cells0:53:15 Navigating the Challenges of Screens in Schools0:57:56 Skeletal Development and Surgical Solutions0:59:20 The Addictive Nature of Handheld Devices1:00:40 Introduction and Background of the Conversation1:03:36 The Nuance of Phone Use and Posture1:09:20 Introduction and Greetings from Lynn Dung, Melbourne, Australia --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Katy Bowman talks with Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett about their paths to becoming leaders in physical health to share their ideas on how to make movement more joyful and relevant to you, the mover. Not just in the distant future but here and now. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

Katy reveals another group of very important muscles that probably are not on your list of body parts which need movement - the muscles in your face. Just like any other parts of your body, when these muscles don’t get movement, it causes problems now and later in life. In this episode, Katy explains why this matters and gives you some fun exercises that you can do at home.  --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

There is an old (and hopefully becoming obsolete) idea that getting your body “vacation ready” means you need to exercise ahead of time to get your body looking "fit" so you can enjoy your vacation. In this episode, Katy flips this idea on its head and invites you to take a different approach. An approach that involves getting your body “vacation ready” by making sure it is moving well enough to enjoy the things you want to do on your vacation.  --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi

It will surprise nobody that Katy spends a lot of time considering the mechanics of breathing movement—the way the levers and pulleys work throughout your breathing anatomy—to facilitate breath. But there are also other things to consider when it comes to breath and breathing. So, Katy invited her friend and author of the new book, Body by Breath, Jill Miller to talk about how the way we breathe can be showing up and affecting our bodies in ways we might not be aware of. --I'm excited to help you develop a movement practice—that moves ALL of you—so you can keep moving well throughout your life! Learn more at https://nutritiousmovement.com/nmi