Yoga Meet's Movement Science to Day Podcast

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of asymmetry in yoga, rehab, and fitness contexts.

Points of discussion include:

• The nature of the major asymmetry that exists in Travis’ own body
• Asymmetries with regard to body alignment
• What is a leg length discrepancy?
• How is a leg length discrepancy measured? How is it treated?
• Are common treatments for leg length discrepancies and other minor body asymmetries evidence-based?
• Can “correcting” body asymmetries have unexpected negative consequences?
• Do we always need to do the same thing on both sides in our yoga sequences?
• Do side-to-side asymmetries increase one’s risk on injury in athletic activities?
• Do side-to-side asymmetries impair one’s performance in athletic activities?
• Is there an ideal “push pull ratio” for upper body pushing vs. pulling exercises?
• Does the upper body pushing/pulling imbalance in yoga predispose yogis to injury and pain?
• Travis’ experience attending yoga classes in a body that was born missing half of one leg
• …And much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

Article: Anatomic and Functional Leg-Length Inequality: A Review and Recommendation for Clinical Decision-Making (Knutson 2005)

Article: Does Lower-Limb Asymmetry Increase Injury Risk in Sport? A Systematic Review (Helme et al. 2021)

Article: The Relationship Between Asymmetry and Athletic Performance: A Critical Review (Maloney 2019)

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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