Movement Logic: Strong Opinions, Loosely Held

• 115: How to Get Abs

  In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court examine the enduring myths and misinformation around the aesthetic goal of “getting abs.” They analyze the anatomy and function of the abdominal muscles, the cultural evolution of ab training versus core strength and stability training, and the role mechanical tension, muscle length, and training volume play in hypertrophy (muscle growth). Additionally, they discuss how pursuing the aesthetic goal of "getting abs" is different from performance goals related to abdominal strength.The hosts unpack popular misconceptions, such as “abs are made in the kitchen,” or that body composition changes work differently for women than men, or that core stability means never moving your spine. They contrast these myths with what current research on energy balance and hypertrophy training show. They also trace how Pilates, physical therapy, and social media helped shape the modern core strength and stability narrative—one that, in some circles, shifted from building strength through movement to “protecting” the lumbar spine by avoiding it.Additionally, this episode aims to clarify all of the factors that influence the appearance of the abdominal region, and how gendered, moralized, and shame-based messaging about the midsection continues to distort public understanding of exercise and body image.CART CLOSES Nov 1st for Lift for Longevity—SIGN UPFOLLOW @MovementLogicTutorials on InstagramRESOURCESClip: Mel Robbing Podcast interview with Stacy Sims about abs67: Popular Explanations for SI Joint Pain are Wrong, Says Science78: Behemoth Knee Myths20: Pelvic Floor In-Depth with Stephanie Prendergast, MPT54: Alignment Dogma - Spine58: Alignment Dogma - Shoulders48: Alignment Dogma - Pelvis80: Posture Panic Pt. 3 with Author Dr. Beth Linker, PhD50: Bracing versus BreathingSlouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, by Beth LinkerGHD Sit-UpHodges, 2001; PMID: 11181617Kalantari, 2024; PMID: 38565979Brown, 2011; PMID: 21325932Cholewicki, 1999; PMID: 10521659

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• 114: Barbells Don't Lie: Inside Our Lift for Longevity Course

  In this episode of the Movement Logic podcast, hosts Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court PT dive deep into their six-month online barbell lifting course, 'Lift for Longevity.' They discuss the course structure, including linear periodization, high variation, and impact training. Laurel and Sarah also share insights on the benefits of barbell training for women, challenging societal norms about women's fitness, and emphasizing the importance of strength and self-efficacy. They underscore the transformative power of consistent strength training and offer practical advice for those considering joining their course.Sign up for the live Q&A on Wednesday October 22nd here (or get the replay)Movement Logic on InstagramReferences:Episode 112 Redefining what’s possible: Lift for Longevity Alums Share their Stories

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• 113: Debunking Menopause Grifters: Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Vonda Wright

  In this episode, Dr. Sarah Court and Laurel Beversdorf delve into the claims and marketing tactics used by two high-profile menopause experts and social media influencers, Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Vonda Wright. They explore and critique various aspects of their advice, including the advocacy for supplements like turmeric and collagen, the promotion of hormone therapy, and questionable exercise prescriptions. The hosts analyze the scientific validity of their claims, the potential harms, and the prevalence of fearmongering in their messaging. The episode aims to empower listeners to become more critical consumers of health information, especially in the menopause space.Sign Up for Our Free Strength Class THIS FRIDAY!Follow us on InstagramReferences:Episode 37: Plyometrics – Get More Bang for your BonesEpisode 96: Bone Density Grifters – Introducing the Grift-O-Meter!Episode 103: Do Weighted Vests Do Anything For Us?Episode 109: Hot Flashes, Cold Facts: Menopause Myths That Won’t DieEpisode 110: Fact Checking Female-Specific Training & Nutrition Advice with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhDEpisode 111: Make Stacy Sims Make SenseThe Pause LifeCalorie Restriction with or without Time-Restricted Eating in Weight LossInflammatory mechanisms linking obesity and metabolic diseaseThe power of creatine plus resistance trainingThe Effects of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance TrainingDose-Response of creatine supplementation on cognitive functionEffects of Collagen Supplements Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen PeptidesOral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptidesSpecific Bioactive Collagen PeptidesVonda WrightThe musculoskeletal syndrome of menopauseSingle Leg BalancingManaging Menopausal Skin ChangesTopical estrogen for skin agingDr. Wright Instagram Posts:MSK Syndrome of MenopauseF.A.C.E.Estriol for faceCanyon RanchBone DensityHip FractureStep DownWeighted VestsGrip Strength

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• 112: Redefining What's Possible – Lift for Longevity Alums Share Their Stories

  Welcome to Episode 112 of the Movement Logic Podcast! In this special episode, Laurel and Sarah talk to four women who recently completed Lift for Longevity about their experiences. Whether it’s overcoming fear of injury, finally finding a program that sticks, breaking free from perfectionism, or realizing barbells belong in their hands, each woman brings a unique and inspiring story.In this episode, you’ll hear from:Karen Klubertanz, an interior designer and yoga therapist who came to us after chronic back pain and years of yoga and kettlebells. Her story is about overcoming fear, learning to train with RPE, and discovering she could get stronger safely and sustainably.Anna Grojec, a freelance writer and editor in New Jersey who found us through the podcast and has now completed the course twice, entirely asynchronously without ever taking a live class. Her story is about making strength training stick for the first time in her life through structure and community support.Terry Littlefield, a longtime yoga teacher and old friend of Sarah’s who came in skeptical, took our free class, and realized she had to join. Her story is about shifting from perfectionism to consistency and finding confidence under the barbell.Janai Leeb, a personal trainer in northern Los Angeles County who first got the impression in her PT cert that barbells weren’t for her. She joined to build her own barbell skills and now teaches them to her clients. Her story is about finding her lane with the barbell and showing others that anyone can lift, at any age.If you’ve ever wondered if you’re too old, too inexperienced, or too "not a gym person" to lift barbells and get stronger, these conversations will change your mind.SIGN UP for our FREE CLASS for Bone Density Course on October 17th WITH REPLAYFOLLOW @MovementLogicTutorials on Instagram

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• 111: Make Stacy Sims Make Sense

  In this episode, Laurel and Sarah take a look at one of the most influential and controversial voices in women’s health: Dr. Stacy Sims. Known for the phrase “women are not small men,” Sims has built her brand on the idea that women need entirely different training and nutrition strategies than men.Laurel and Sarah trace Sims’ rise to prominence, the research she leans on, and the rhetorical playbook she uses on major platforms like the Mel Robbins Podcast, and the Huberman Lab podcast. They examine how Sims’ is able to persuade listeners of her ideas, even though her catchy slogans and bold claims outpace the evidence.Rather than just fact-checking Sims’ most dubious claims on cycle syncing, fasted training, cardio, and how women should train, this episode instead focuses on how Sims’ messages are delivered. You’ll listen for how Sims’ and the hosts of these podcasts frequently employ persuasive tactics like appeals to authority, fearmongering, absolutist framing, pseudo-feminist virtue signaling, and what Laurel and Sarah call “mechanism theater” can make the weak evidence and shaky reasoning behind the claims sound stronger than it is. These strategies aren’t unique to Sims; you’ll start noticing these persuasive tactics everywhere, especially in menopause marketing and wellness content online.SIGN UP for the FREE CLASS for Bone Density CourseFOLLOW @MovementLogicTutorials on InstagramRESOURCESSims’ TedX talk110: Fact-Checking Female-Specific Training & Nutrition Advice with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhDDebate between Sims and Colenso-Semple on Docs Who LiftPost Debate Interview on Barbell Medicine109: Hot Flashes, Cold Facts: Menopause Myths that Won’t Die62: Make McGill Make SenseBulky mugSocial Post from Dr. Colenso-Semple about choice to use mechanistic, rat, or men’s data108: Breathing for Bone Density? YogaU Cannot Be Serious108: Does it Have to be Heavy? Rethinking the Lift Heavy Shit Narrative98: Capacities for Longevity Part 3 - CardioDecoding the GurusFront Page FitnessConspiritualityYoga Meets Movement ScienceBarbell Medicine

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