Jeannette Loram, a biologist and movement teacher, joins Dr. Ray McClanahan, a podiatrist and founder of Correct Toes, to discuss heart health and its intriguing connections to movement. They explore the unique anatomy of the heart, emphasizing the importance of muscle contraction for healthy circulation. The duo advocates for a diverse 'movement buffet' to enhance cardiovascular health, from strength training to stress-reducing activities. Dr. McClanahan also shares insights on foot alignment and its impact on overall mobility, promoting a holistic approach to wellness.
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of movement in maintaining cardiovascular health by promoting effective blood circulation and capillary growth through exercise.
Listeners learn about the heart's anatomy and its unique twisting mechanism during contractions, illuminating misconceptions about its structure and function.
A diverse range of physical activities, including strength training and relaxation techniques, is advocated for enhancing heart function beyond traditional cardio exercises.
Deep dives
Movement Weekend in the UK
A Move Your DNA weekend event is scheduled for May in Argyle, Scotland, aimed at providing participants with essential techniques for aligning their bodies during various exercises. This small group setting will cover all 40 exercises from Katie Bowman's book, 'Move Your DNA,' allowing attendees to learn how to adapt the exercises to their own physical needs. By the end of the weekend, participants will gain the knowledge to incorporate beneficial movement practices into their daily routines for improved health. Those unable to attend this specific event can look forward to additional Move Your DNA weekends happening in other locations, including Belgium and various states in the U.S.
Understanding Heart Health
The podcast discusses February as a heart health awareness month while emphasizing the importance of recognizing the differing heart attack symptoms in men and women. Listeners are encouraged to educate themselves about these differences to better identify potential health issues. The conversation highlights that cardiovascular health is closely linked to movement, drawing connections between heart function and physical activity. Moreover, mobility plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, illustrating the interconnectedness of movement and heart health.
The Anatomy of the Heart
A detailed discussion about the heart's anatomy clarifies common misconceptions, particularly regarding its structure and function. The heart is characterized by a spiral structure, which utilizes a unique twisting mechanism during contractions to efficiently pump blood. This biological action enables the heart to expel more blood with each heartbeat compared to simpler muscle contractions. The conversation also delves into the relationship between the heart, blood vessels, and red blood cells, further emphasizing the nuances of the cardiovascular system.
The Importance of Movement for Circulation
Listeners are reminded of the vital role that movement plays in promoting effective blood circulation throughout the body. The discussion draws parallels between how immobilization can lead to complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, by demonstrating the need for regular movement for cardiovascular health. Additionally, the podcast explains how capillary growth is stimulated through exercise, which enhances the body's ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues. This concept reinforces that maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for overall cardiovascular function and health.
Exploring Alternative Exercise Modalities
The podcast challenges the notion that only traditional cardio exercises are essential for cardiovascular health, promoting a more holistic view of physical activity. Various forms of exercise, including strength training and relaxation techniques, contribute to heart health, suggesting that individuals should engage in a wide range of movement modalities. The conversation advocates for reframing exercise intensity and not limiting oneself to specific activities, emphasizing the importance of gradually increasing intensity to enhance heart function. Ultimately, the emphasis is on diversity in movement practices for comprehensive cardiovascular benefits.
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.
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.