Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesBiomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram take a deeper look into three recent headlines in the body-nerd world. First up, recent research has shown that our skeletal muscles remember training at the protein level - no brain required! This is exciting research and Katy and Jeannette discuss the implications for exercise over the lifespan. Second, they dig into a recent study of uphill walking; the research suggests it is cheaper to take the steeper route, but energy efficiency might not be the only consideration. Finally in response to the online noise about recent changes to the CDC developmental guidelines, Katy and Jeannette explain what has really changed and whether it should have caused such an upset.CHAPTERS02:50 - Muscle Memory  17:12 - Steeper is Cheaper  28:02 - Changes in the CDC milestones  43:22 - Listener Question sponsored by Peluva:  Is it inevitable that our body and parts wear out?  ARTICLES AND RESEARCH MENTIONEDNew Explanation of Muscle Memory in Science Daily Skeletal Muscle Proteomic Memory by Hulmi et al (2025) Steeper is Cheaper in Outside Magazine Graded Walking Energetics by Looney et al (2025) CDC Developmental Guidelines Evidence Informed Milestones by Zubler et al (2022) MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR SPONSORS:Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities, take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10 Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 15% off with code DNA15 Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10 Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesBiomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram continue their discussion about the skeleton. In this episode, they break down the best approach to taking care of your bones using a government framework: Strong, Steady and Straight. They use this framework to discuss exercise and bone loading at three life-stages: a growing skeleton, a mature skeleton and a vulnerable skeleton. Listen to this episode to design a movement plan for your bones.Also in this episode, Katy talks to Mike Dally, founder of Earth Runners, minimalist earthing sandals. Katy has walked more miles in Earth Runners than in any other shoe and Katy and Mike talk about her favourite features; from the non-slip foot bed to the replaceable straps and laces. Mike explains earthing technology and testing and describes their latest product that can ground any minimal shoe.Books Mentioned:Grow Wild by Katy Bowman Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanResearch Mentioned:LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial by Watson et al (2018) Aquatic Jump Training Review by Mullenax et al (2021) Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors:Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; Sweet Skins, beautiful organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 15% off with code DNA15;  Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10; Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities, take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10 and; Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio - Try it Free for 7 Days!This is the first of two episodes on bone. There is lots of discussion in the media about bone health and in this first episode biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram place bone tissue health into a wider context; what really matters is how well the entire skeleton is working—as a system—to support our bodies and our movement.  Katy and Jeannette explain how the status of the bone in different parts of your skeleton is a record of the movement you have—and have not done—in the past. They outline Wolff's law, the idea that bone adapts and changes according to the stress and load it experiences throughout a lifetime. They bring this concept to life using examples from populations with distinct movement and bone loading histories ranging from ancient human archers and farmers, through different sporting populations to astronauts.  Books Mentioned:Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman Orbital by Samantha Harvey Rethink Your Position by Katy Bowman Research Mentioned: Neolithic Women, Manual Labour and Bone  Cycling and Bone Health Multidirectional Sport and Running: bone strength  Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors:Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10; Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10;  Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities, take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT; Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10; Sweet Skins, beautiful organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 15% off with code DNA15 and Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office;  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio - Try it Free for 7 Days!Inspired by a listener's letter, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk about exercise and sport and how these relate to natural movement. They discuss how Katy’s message has sometimes been reduced to exercise is ‘bad’ and natural movement is ‘better’.Katy explains that this has never been her position; rather her aim has been to challenge the assumption that the only way to move our bodies is through exercise. Her work has been to expand our framework of human movement and provide a broader understanding of the shapes and volumes of movement required for human health.  Katy and Jeannette also address issues raised in the listener's letter about gym culture and sports, noting that many of the negatives are perceived rather than actual or are to do with commercialization. They discuss the ubiquity of team sports across human cultures and the many positives that sport can provide, including natural movements—like throwing and catching—that are hard to get elsewhere in life.   Also in this episode Katy interviews Anna Yona, co-founder of the barefoot shoe company Wildling. Anna shares the origin story of Wildling and their expansion from children’s shoes into the adult market. Katy and Anna talk about favourite customer stories, teenage shoe choices and Wildling’s most recent venture—a rain boot—filling a much needed niche in the minimal shoe market. Books Mentioned:My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman I Know I Should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon Hunter-Gatherer Childhoods Edited by Barry Hewlett & Michael LambMade Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors:Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow; Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities; Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials; Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes and Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home;  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio - Try it Free for 7 Days!Katy Bowman and Jeannette Loram kick this episode off with a conversation about British walking idioms and nature-based language. They are then joined by Mark Sisson, author, former distance runner and founder of the minimal shoe company Peluva. Mark, Katy and Jeannette talk about human evolutionary history, walking, health and Mark’s latest book Born to Walk. They discuss how running has become the iconic fitness activity but Mark explains how most people would be better served by abundant walking—combined with some strength training and a small amount of higher intensity exercise—to create a more nourishing and less physically stressful movement diet.   Katy also has a conversation with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms and one of the Move Your DNA sponsors. Smart Playrooms offer equipment and design services for indoor play and activity spaces. Katy and Karri discuss the ethos behind Smart Playrooms, the design process and Karri offers her genius recommendations for equipment to add to every home. Katy and Karri explain how to plan flexible and adjustable spaces so that your movement and play areas stay interesting and grow with your family. Books Mentioned:Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane Born to Walk by Mark Sisson & Brad Kearns The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson Born to Run by Mark McDougall I Know I Should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman  Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors:Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home; Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials;  Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes; Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow and Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities.  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio - Try it Free for 7 Days!Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss movement for the bendy body with their guest Dr Libby Hinsley, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in the treatment of hypermobility syndromes and chronic pain. Libby shares her personal and professional journey with hypermobility explaining what hypermobility is and the associated symptoms. Libby, Katy and Jeannette discuss the paradox that bendy bodies have large ranges of motion yet tense muscles and how a sedentary lifestyle is even more of a liability for people with hypermobility syndromes. Libby and Katy outline the ABCs of a movement program for bendy bodies that often struggle with proprioception and are easily fatigued. They emphasize the importance of higher load activities performed with very mindful attention to exercise form. They caution that smaller and slower movements are key whatever the exercise modality.  Also in this episode, Katy has a conversation with Sohail Shariff of Movemate, creator of segmented active standing boards designed to be used while you work. Sohail explains the personal stories behind the product and its design. Katy shares her appreciation of the boards particularly how  these boards foster dynamic movement of the foot and ankle, something missing with traditional balance boards. Sohail and Katy also discuss the board's segmented design; the multiple articulations create a flowing but stable motion which means Katy can move and focus on work at the same time. Finally they discuss the value of the board in the therapeutic space particularly for those with a need for movement that soothes the nervous system.  Books Mentioned:Yoga for Bendy People: Optimizing the Benefits of Yoga for Hypermobility by Libby Hinsley I Know I Should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman  Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors:Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home; Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow; Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes; Peluva Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities; Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office and Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials.   Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio - Try it Free for 7 Days! Are you confused by all the social media messaging about muscle mass and strength training? Join us for this beefy episode all about muscle!  Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss the clinical term sarcopenia– age-related muscle decline–and distinguish it from muscle atrophy due to disuse and sedentary lifestyles. Katy and Jeannette tease apart the different elements of muscle decline; mass, strength and function. They debate how each of these can be measured and their importance. Their discussion centers on a listener's question seeking to understand what we should be doing physically to prevent muscle loss.  Also in this episode, Katy has a conversation with Tyler Benner of Venn Design, a company creating dynamic seating for homes and offices. Tyler explains how his background in physics and sport have contributed to his creativity in product design. Tyler highlights his solar and sports series of Air Chairs and explains how he has created designs that look exactly like a planet or a basketball! He also introduces his latest venture; Strong Feet Athletics, creator of the first barefoot cycling shoe.   Books MentionedDynamic Aging by Katy Bowman  Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials; Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home; Venn Design: beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; Peluva Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities, and Movemate; dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow.  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! View This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual StudioThis is a special episode with two features and several guests!  In the first feature, biomechanist Katy Bowman is joined by psychologists Dr Diana Hill and Dr Kelly McGonigal. Katy and Diana have co-written a new book I know I should Exercise But… 44 Reasons We Don’t Move and How to Get Over Them and they came together with Kelly, author of the The Joy of Movement, to talk about personal obstacles to movement, movement frameworks & vocabulary and how to find your ‘movement genius’.  In our second feature Katy welcomes author and masters athlete Brad Kearns, to talk about the minimalist five-toed shoe company Peluva, one of our podcast sponsors. Brad shares the early history of the company and how you go about making a minimalist shoe. Katy and Brad discuss the niche that Peluva fills in the minimal shoe market and Brad shares his favourite customer success stories.  Books & Articles MentionedI Know I Should Exercise But…44 Reasons We Don’t Move and How to Get Over Them by Diana Hill & Katy BowmanThe Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal Born to Walk by Mark Sisson with Brad Kearns  Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors Peluva Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities, Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials; Venn Design: beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; Movemate; dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home; and Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes; Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! View This Episode's Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss Matters of the Heart. They cover the anatomy, tissues and function of the cardiovascular system, highlighting key concepts of heart health that are underappreciated. They discuss the importance of the flexibility of red blood cells, arterial walls and the heart muscle itself. They also explain the vital role of skeletal muscle contraction in healthy circulation. Muscle contraction during exercise not only assists the return of blood to the heart from the extremities, it is also the signal for blood vessels near working muscles to dilate or widen ‘pulling’ blood from arteries into the tissues.  Katy and Jeannette talk about a movement diet to support the cardiovascular system. They emphasize the importance of higher intensity activity for taking the heart and arteries through their full ranges of motion. Their discussion also offers up a much larger buffet of exercise options than you might have previously considered. Strength training, big body work and stress-reducing movement all have complementary benefits for the cardiovascular system.  Also in this episode Katy interviews podiatrist Dr Ray McClanahan, founder of Correct Toes and one of our podcast sponsors. Correct Toes are a toe orthotic designed to return toes to their natural alignment as the widest part of the foot. Ray explains the functional benefits of aligned toes, including improved balance, circulation and strength. Katy and Ray chat about how and why Correct Toes came about and they also discuss the future, with an introduction to some of Correct Toes latest products. Books & Articles Mentioned My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes;  Peluva Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities, Movemate; dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep your kids engaged and active at home;  Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials and Venn Design: beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office.  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! View This Episode’s Show Notes Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Katy’s Virtual Studio  In recent years there has been significant backlash against the idea that posture is related to good health. Join biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram for a philosophical, historical and biological journey into the controversies around posture.  Katy and Jeannette discuss whether posture is really a thing; is ‘good’ posture important or does your body work just fine regardless of how you hold it? Have we simply inherited postural ideals that are remnants of cultural, social and political baggage?  Katy and Jeannette tease this out by discussing definitions of posture, the history of postural ideals and the difficulty in relating pain to posture. They turn to extreme examples of posture and Katy’s work in alignment to offer a more nuanced perspective on posture and physical experience in terms of load to tissues over time.  Books & Articles Mentioned The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn The Rise and Fall of American Posture by David Yosifon & Peter N. Stearns My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors Movemate; dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow; Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep your kids engaged and active at home; Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes; Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials; Venn Design: beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office; and Peluva Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities.  Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram, discusses a recent study on sitting time, standing time and circulatory risk. They cut through the media hype and explain what the study shows and why any prolonged static position might have health consequences.  Katy and Jeannette contrast our cultural norm of being in the same position for many hours a day with the diverse resting positions of the Hadza, a hunter-gatherer group with low cardiovascular risk but also a large amount of rest time. Katy explains how repetitive positioning generates higher pressure in specific locations in our circulatory system setting us up for injury, whereas varied positioning and light movement keeps the cardiovascular system supple and the pressure distributed throughout our system.   Jeannette and Katy touch on other issues to do with repetitive positioning including mobility and discomfort and offer practical suggestions for supporting your mobility and cardiovascular health while stationary. Finally don’t miss Katy answering a listener's question on hyperkyphosis via bananas and semi-permanent hair dye! 

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! On this episode Katy and Jeannette continue the Move Your DNA annual tradition of reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the next. Through a series of questions Katy and Jeannette reflect on 2024, discuss movement goals for 2025, and invite you to play along. They explore moving through injury, menopause and how to keep progressing with age. They share their plans for 2025 and Katy provides novel strategies to help us all MOVE towards the goals we have for ourselves and our families. 

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about the importance of head and neck movement. This year, Katy’s annual exercise advent offers 24 moves for the head and neck and Katy explains her personal and professional reasons for choosing this theme.   Jeannette and Katy discuss the head and neck as a hub for our sensory, nervous, immune, digestive and vestibular systems, all of which require movement to support their functions. They discuss common issues of the head and neck region, as well as how repetitive head positioning and neck immobility can relate to broader experiences in the body, such as Katy’s discovery of a decrease in her height that she is working to reverse.  They discuss the basic movements of the head and neck and also cover the structures of the region including a neck anatomy lesson provided by their favourite 1970s musical ‘Grease’ and a third-grade attempt to mimic the album cover!  They share their own head and neck care practices and suggest strategies for listeners to add more daily movement for this part of the body; from changing their sleep set-up to pairing specific neck movements with a daily cue.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about dog movement. This discussion stemmed from witnessing a balance ball therapy session for dogs. Just like modern humans, modern dogs now require physical therapy. In this episode, Katy and Jeannette discuss how to use Katy’s ‘movement nutrition’ framework and apply it to your furry friends. Katy and Jeannette discuss the evolution of dogs and the difference in movement experience between free-ranging ancestral dogs compared with today’s urban canines. They discuss how human-chosen pacing is not necessarily the most comfortable for dogs since their most efficient gait pattern is a trot, not a walk. They discuss the importance of meaningful movement for a dog, emphasizing the importance of smell and play as ‘command-free’ movement. They also talk about the importance of mentoring movement for dogs, especially safety skills such as swimming.  Finally, they talk about their own dogs and their favourite —and often quirky—activities from climbing trees to log dragging and how dogs and humans can enhance each other’s movement diets.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about a recent New York Times article “ Why Sitting All Day May Shorten Your Life”. Katy was a source for this article and she talks with Jeannette about the journalistic process, and why the short-form might be letting us down.Katy and Jeannette talk about the benefits of sitting as well as the risks associated with uninterrupted hours in a chair. They discuss sitting as a two-part issue; first the inactivity and second the fixed body geometry. Katy and Jeannette discuss recent research showing that long hours of sitting are associated with a more rapid rate of cellular aging and how many experiences we put down to aging: muscle and bone loss, low energy levels and low back pain are really influenced by how much we sit.Katy and Jeannette critique the recommendation to offset hours in a chair by increasing exercise time, noting that this is not really how biology works. Katy suggests that this approach is a bit like flossing your teeth diligently while not brushing them.SPONSORS: THE DYNAMIC COLLECTIVE  This episode of The Move Your DNA podcast is brought to you by The Dynamic Collective, a group of six companies that create products and services helping you to move more.  The Dynamic Collective is: - Peluva: reimagining minimalist footwear- Movemate: Dynamic active standing board- Smart Playrooms: design and products for active living indoors - Correct Toes: anatomic silicone toe spacers- WIldling: minimal footwear made with natural and sustainable materials - Venn Design:  Functional furniture for a balanced life - sit still less and move more

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about her recent multi-day hike across England. Katy, with her sister Mary, walked from east coast to west coast along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Katy and Jeannette talk about Katy’s physical preparation for the walk; the (four pairs!) of shoes Katy selected and when she used them; the changing terrain and gait patterns she adopted and how she felt over the course of the trip. Finally Katy shares her physical and philosophical insights after many days of walking.   

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk about coughing. Katy and Jeannette discuss coughing as a life-saving movement; both in the immediate, to prevent choking, and also in the longer term for adequate clearance of the lungs and the health of our airways. They discuss the anatomy and mechanics of a cough, explaining how the mobility, strength and coordination of our core muscles affects the strength of our cough. They discuss postural presentations such as hyperkyphosis and anterior pelvic tilt that can lead to a weaker cough. They also talk about the liabilities of a cough, including abdominal strain, urinary incontinence, rib damage and back pain.They discuss how coughing, like giving birth, is not a movement that we want to practice: ‘use it or lose it’ does not apply in this case! Instead we want to make sure that tension or weakness in our torso is not limiting our ability to cough when we need to. Katy offers a suite of mobility and strength exercises to prepare your coughing apparatus as we head into flu and cold season. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss gait and question whether there is a ‘right’ way to walk. They explain the mechanics of walking gait, outlining the phases and shapes that each leg and foot should move through during the gait cycle. They propose that an ‘abnormal’ gait would be one that is missing one of these phases or shapes. They also suggest a framework for assessing walking based on efficiency, symmetry and balance. They talk about gait deficits such as shuffling and waddling and what is missing in those gait patterns while acknowledging that we are all individuals and not all gait variation is abnormal or needs to be corrected. Katy suggests we can only get to the heart of this question by considering human movement ecology; particularly the volume we walk, the shoes we walk in and, for most modern humans, the lack of a requirement to walk long distances efficiently. They discuss this in relation to human hunter-gatherers as well as other animals.  Finally, they answer a couple of listener questions on the rather unusual gait seen in racewalking.  

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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. 

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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. 

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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 features 0:03:31 Recap of a previous podcast episode on grip strength 0:06:18 Concerns about grip strength from a professional perspective 0:08:26 Therapeutic Interventions for Children 0:10:40 Play-Doh for Increasing Intrinsic Hand Strength 0:13:20 Thera Putty as a Therapy Tool for Adults 0:16:04 Importance of Hand Strength in Everyday Life 0:24:05 Creating Playgrounds with Obstacle Courses for Kids 0:27:04 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 Feet 0:32:08 Wondering about the absence of someone in the bathroom 0:34:30 Exploring the use of Therapuddy for hand strengthening 0:36:54 Multiple approaches to hand training and arm strength development 0:39:05 Assessing daily hand movements and seeking inspiration from others 0:41:09 Grip Translates to All Finger and Hand Movement 0:42:10 The Importance of Grip Strength in Daily Tasks 0:44:16 Decline in Strength and Its Impact on Therapy Norms 0:45:40 Lowering the Norms: A Frightening Shift in Fitness 0:48:51 The Transcendence of Movement: Beyond Individual Body Parts 0:49:41 A Salute to an Amazing Friendship

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

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 podcast 0:00:26 Introduction: Focus on Foot Injuries 0:03:05 Injury as an Adjustment Period in Life Stages 0:10:35 Injury during a sprinting race on the sand 0:20:10 Aging and Decreased Cardiovascular Capability 0:24:12 The Importance of Maintaining Joyful Movement Amidst Injury 0:29:14 Embracing the Valleys: Optimizing for Surviving, Not Just Thriving 0:32:19 Finding Alternatives: Adapting to Injury and Changing Gait 0:37:43 Embracing Change and Moving Forward 0:39:53 The Framework for Troubleshooting Injuries

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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 Head 0:07:58 Discussing Head Dents 0:11:56 The Dent Mystery: Seeking the Truth 0:21:12 Importance of varied positioning for babies' development 0:31:52 Strengthening tissues to handle increased load and shape changes 0:32:33 The Horns Phenomenon and Click-Bait Headlines 0:43:01 Natural selection and the success of sickle-shaped cells 0:53:15 Navigating the Challenges of Screens in Schools 0:57:56 Skeletal Development and Surgical Solutions 0:59:20 The Addictive Nature of Handheld Devices 1:00:40 Introduction and Background of the Conversation 1:03:36 The Nuance of Phone Use and Posture 1:09:20 Introduction and Greetings from Lynn Dung, Melbourne, Australia

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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. 

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! In this episode, Katy explores the way all the “move more” messages we hear and read are framed and how they could be a lot more helpful and effective. It turns out that simply telling people to “exercise now to not die later” isn't working the way we might want it to. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2023

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days! In this episode, Katy and Dr. Barbara L Reiss are talking about Myopia (the medical term for nearsightedness), which is being able to see up close but not far away. This is important because your muscles are not only for moving, but they are also creating physiological states in the body - which includes your eyesight. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2023

At the very beginning of this year, Katy wrote an article: Focus Your Movement Resolution. She did that because she thinks a lot of people gravitate toward resolutions at the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. So, let Katy share with you how to make those resolutions more focused - and therefore more helpful and effective.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2023

2022 is nearly over and we will soon be moving on to 2023! This means it is time for Katy to do her "annual" end-of-the-year health recap with special guest co-host Dani Hemmat. The two of them reflect together on what they did to MOVE toward a better version of themselves in 2022. And then, they look forward at their goals and plans for 2023. And don't be fooled, they go way deeper than which trail they want to hike.

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2022

For the next few months, many of us will be gathering with friends and family, sitting cozied up around a fireplace or a TV. And while there is nothing wrong with getting cozy, we already spend a whole lotta time sitting around pretty much the rest of the entire year.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2022

In this episode, Katy is talking foot pain and minimal shoes with podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan. Dr. Ray attended Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a two-year podiatric, surgical residency training in Portland, Oregon, at Legacy Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente as a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon.

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2022

In this episode, Katy shares the small adjustments--to clothing, backpacks, and before and after school time---you can make that will help your kids get the movement they need.

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2022

This episode, an interview I did on a local radio station this last spring, is a great introduction to those interested in moving more (not only exercising more) and why movement matters.

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2022

Guest Ken Johnston, started his Walk to Freedom project in late 2017 when he learned that the National Civil Rights Museum was planning remembrance ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. Recognizing the importance of movement in the civil rights movement, Johnston began researching and walking various routes his ancestors took toward freedom.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2022

In this episode, Katy breaks down “sleeping movements” — the movements that get us to and from our sleep surfaces, the amount a sleep surface presses on our body, our sleep positions, etc.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2022

Katy knows that many of you listeners are working on cultivating behaviors, practices, and a community to support their health, especially when it comes to moving more, despite a culture that doesn’t seem to support your efforts. So Katy asked Pilar Gerasimo, award-winning health journalist, founding editor of Experience Life magazine, and author of a new book The Healthy Deviant: A Rule-Breaker’s Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World to talk to her about just that.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2022

A question Katy gets regularly is something along these lines: I’d like to move more but my partner, kids, office mates, etc. are not interested. What do I need to do to get them on board? Katy has always felt this question would be best directed toward someone in the psychology field so, in this episode, Dr. Diana Hill joins Katy to give you some firm tactics and gentle actions that you can take to get your "others" on board.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2022