In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel explores how we’ve come to assign moral value to certain movement concepts—like compression, flexion, anterior tilt, and instability—and why that language does more harm than good. She unpacks how terms that are neutral by definition often get rebranded as “bad,” “dangerous,” or “dysfunctional” in movement and rehab spaces.Rather than offering a list of “better” movement cues, Laurel invites listeners to step outside of binary thinking. This episode explores how our wiring, combined with marketing and group identity, fuels a polarizing narrative—a red-X/green-checkmark mentality that pits “functional” against “dysfunctional.”Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or curious mover, this episode offers a reminder: biomechanical concepts are just descriptions of what’s happening—not value-laden truths. And when we let go of moralizing movement, we open the door to more creativity, exploration, and individualized problem-solving.Sign up for our Bone Density Mini Course: Barbell 101!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorialsResources:The Truth About Good vs Bad Muscles - Results Not Typical Podcast98: Capacities for Longevity Part 3 - Cardio94: Capacities for Longevity Part 2 - Power90: Capacities for Longevity Part 1 - Strength89: Is Dead Butt Syndrome Real?80: Posture Panic Pt. 3 with Author Dr. Beth Linker, PhD79: Make Yoga U Make Sense78: Behemoth Knee Myths76: Posture Panic Part 274: McGill We Go Again73: Posture Panic Pt. 167: Popular Explanations for SI Joint Pain are Wrong, Says Science66: Dismantling Long and Lean Pt. 363: Dismantling Long and Lean Part 262: Make McGill Make Sense58: Alignment Dogma - Shoulders54: Alignment Dogma - Spine48: Alignment Dogma - Pelvis19: Oh, NO! Nose Breathing and Nitric OxideReview: Effect of training and lifting equipment for preventing back pain in lifting and handling: systematic reviewReview: Stoop or squat: a review of biomechanical studies on lifting technique
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1:12:49
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1:12:49
101: 6 Takeaways from Running a Marathon that Apply to Any Exercise Goal
In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel shares six universal takeaways from training for and running her first marathon—and how they apply to any long term, challenging, exercise-related goal. Whether your goal is to build strength, increase stamina, or just feel more capable in your daily life, this episode explores fundamental training principles, helpful mindset coaching, and empowering tips to help you reach a long-term, physically demanding goal.Rather than focusing on the details of marathon training, Laurel distills what she learned about goal-setting, accountability, program design, recovery, and the fatigue that can sometimes hide progress. She also calls out the overwhelming and often contradictory fitness advice targeted at women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and urges a more individualized and practical approach to training.Sign up for our Bone Density Mini Course: Barbell 101!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorials00:58 Why I trained for a marathon and what I learned04:17 Takeaway #1: Have a realistic, measurable goal13:34 Takeaway #2: Programming is a hypothesis21:05 Takeaway #3: Accountability helps you follow through27:50 Takeaway #4: Fatigue can mask your progress35:45 Takeaway #5: Recovery reveals your fitness42:00 Takeaway #6: Strength supports everythingRESOURCESEpisode 9: What Are the Best Exercises for Strength?Episode 85: Inbetweenie - Boosting Recovery: What Really WorksEpisode 70: Inbetweenie - Do you need a deload week?Episode 90: Capacities for Longevity Part 1: StrengthEpisode 94: Capacities for Longevity Part 2: PowerEpisode 98: Capacities for Longevity Part 3: Cardio
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48:26
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48:26
100: The Hidden Cost of "Just Do Something" Fitness Advice
In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Sarah explores the commonly held belief that any amount of exercise is better than none. Using recent research, she discusses the benefits of minimal exercise on cardiovascular health and longevity but also highlights the limitations of this advice. She emphasizes the need for strength training and power exercises to meet the comprehensive physical needs of the body, especially as we age. Additionally, she discusses the socioeconomic barriers to regular exercise and suggests systemic changes to make meaningful physical activity more accessible to everyone.Sign up for the Wait List for our Bone Density Course!Movement Logic on Instagram00:03 The Common Exercise Advice: Just Do Something02:01 Scientific Evidence Supporting Minimal Exercise06:58 Limitations of Minimal Exercise10:01 Strength Training and Its Importance16:35 Challenges and Practical Solutions for Exercise22:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReferences:Dose-response associations between accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary time and all cause mortality: systematic review and harmonised meta-analysisPhysical Activity, All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality, and Cardiovascular DiseaseAssociation of wearable device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity with mortalityResistance Training and Mortality Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisEffects of Resistance Training Frequency on Measures of Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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26:40
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26:40
99: Is the Sitting-Rising Test a Lifespan Predictor - or Just Hype?
In this 'Inbetweenie' episode of the Movement Logic podcast, Sarah delves into the widespread misinterpretation of a 2014 research study titled 'Ability to Sit and Rise from the Floor as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality.' Popularly known as the Sitting Rising Test (SRT), the study has been sensationalized in the media and on social platforms, claiming that the ability (or inability) to get up from the floor without assistance can predict mortality. Sarah critiques the study's methodology, the pitfalls of its media representation, and the critical difference between correlation and causation. She also emphasizes the importance of proper interpretation to avoid fear-mongering and encourages training in strength and balance for overall health benefits.Get on our Wait List for the Bone Density Course!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorials01:08 Overview of the Misinterpreted Study03:35 Details of the Sitting Rising Test (SRT)04:21 Methodology and Findings of the Study14:33 Critique of the Study's Methodology23:43 Misinterpretations and Media Hype29:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReferences: Episode 15: 3! Easy! Rules! About! Research!Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality(abstract)Conor O’Shea podcast: Taking Control of Your Pain Through MovementSRT Test on YouTubeDiscover Magazine: Simple Sitting Test Predicts How Long You'll Live
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34:15
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34:15
98: Capacities for Longevity Part 3 - Cardio
In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, we dive into cardiovascular health and the role of cardiorespiratory fitness in supporting longevity—especially for women as they age. We break down the science behind moderate and vigorous aerobic exercise, explain how it differs from strength training, and explore why both are essential for long-term health.We also tackle some of the most persistent cardio misconceptions, unpack the physiological differences between strength and aerobic training, and share evidence-based strategies for integrating both into your routine.Along the way, we offer personal insights and practical tips for building aerobic capacity—with a special focus on finding and sustaining moderate intensity. You'll learn how to gauge it using tools like RPE, the talk test, and heart rate zones.Sign up for Bone Density Course: Lift for Longevity. THE CART CLOSES THIS SATURDAY, MAY 10th, 2025!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorials00:00 Podcast Introduction and Vocal Warmups07:32 The Importance of Cardio Respiratory Fitness11:01 Understanding VO2 Max and Its Benefits13:45 Physical Activity vs. Exercise23:36 The Role of Cardio Respiratory Fitness in Longevity30:30 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Exercise34:35 Recovery and Adaptation53:30 Biology of Cardio Respiratory Fitness53:46 Aerobic vs. Resistance Training59:43 Understanding Lactate, Lactate Thresholds, and Exercise Intensity01:02:31 Training Zones01:22:07 Moderate vs. Vigorous Intensity Exercise01:44:13 Best Exercises for Aerobic Endurance01:49:58 Combining Strength and Cardio Training01:53:56 Cardiovascular Health in Women02:07:42 Why People Hate Cardio and How to Overcome It02:21:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRESOURCESRead JAMA Network Open about cardio and mortality riskListen to Long & Lean pt. 2Read VO₂ max associated with reduction in all-cause mortalityListen about exercise recoveryRead Burn about human metabolism by Herman PonzerRead Eve about evolution and the female body by Cat BohannonRead about cardiovascular disease and risk factors for women
About 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
Listen to Movement Logic: Strong Opinions, Loosely Held, The High Performance Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app