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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 podcast@nutritiousmovement.com
Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits

Katy's new book 'I Know I Should Exercise, But... ' Presale

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 podcast@nutritiousmovement.com
Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits

Katy's new book 'I Know I Should Exercise, But... ' Presale

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!