Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman

Katy and Jeannette explore why proper recovery is just as important as your workouts. They explain how short-term recovery between repetitions or intervals restores homeostasis—the steady state of your cells—allowing you to continue a training session effectively. Over the longer term, recovery after vigorous activity supports tissue repair and adaptation, helping your muscles and connective tissues strengthen. Without sufficient recovery, training plateaus can occur, and your risk of illness may increase. Finally, they discuss rest as an essential part of recovery and share strategies such as cross-training, stretching, and massage to support the body’s repair and adaptation processes.Katy talks with Jim Leuty of My Happy Feet Alignment Socks, a simple and effective recovery tool that gently stretches and realigns toes while you rest! Toe-spacers are part of the recovery routine for performers like Taylor Swift, who dance in high heels—and they’re helpful for everyone, particularly if you spend long hours on your feet or struggle with bunions or foot pain. Jim also shares his newest products, including kid sizes and complete foot care gift kits.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript1:34 — Introducing the Dynamic Collective Sponsors3:14 — What Is Recovery? Short-Term vs. Long-Term6:29 — Post-Workout Fatigue: Understanding What’s Still “Off” in Your Body9:19 — Rest vs. Recovery: Why They’re Not the Same13:12 — How Recovery After Vigorous Exercise Supports Adaptation and Strength17:17 — Intensity, Training Plateaus, and the Importance of Variability26:31 — Strategies to Boost Recovery: Sleep, Cross-Training, Massage, and Stretching30:01 — Listener Question: How Does Altitude & Plane Travel Affect The Body?39:44 — Introducing My Happy Feet Alignment Socks41:03 — Socks vs. Toe Spacers: What’s the Difference?46:19 — Real Results, Testimonials, and Taylor Swift’s High-Heel Recovery49:09 — Gifting Foot Care Items and New ProductsITEMS, BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDMy Happy Feet Alignment Socks International orders My Happy Feet Global Super Foot Care Kit Simple Steps To Foot Pain Relief by Katy BowmanCONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Venn Design: Stylish ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting—enjoy 20% off Nov 17–26 with code MOVEMENTREVOLUTION.Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

What does it mean to raise — or be — a “spicy one”? In this deeply honest and energizing conversation, Katy Bowman and author Mary Van Geffen unpack what it’s like to parent strong-willed, big-feeling kids (and stay sane while doing it). They discuss how movement can support self-regulation and co-regulation, helping both parent and child navigate intensity with compassion and humor. Together, they look at the role of movement before, during, and after heated moments — as well as the art of knowing when to walk away. This episode offers practical wisdom for growing your “calm muscle” and showing up as the safest person in the room.Jeannette chats with inventor, designer, and athlete Tyler Benner of Venn Design — the creative mind behind movement-friendly furniture like the Air Chair and the revolutionary barefoot cycling shoe. They explore Tyler’s “genius energy” and how movement awareness informs everything he creates, from furniture to archery tools and innovative footwear. Enhanced Show Notes and Full TranscriptEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:0:00 – Meet Mary Van Geffen – Parenting insights for “Spicy Ones”0:05 – What is a “Spicy One”? – Understanding strong-willed, big-feeling kids0:07 – Regulation & Co-Regulation – How parents and kids navigate intensity together0:10 – Contagious Emotions & Training your ‘Calm’ Muscle– Mirror neurons in action0:14 – Quick Regulation Tools – Breathing, sensing, and self-talk0:19 – Move to Regulate – Using movement before, during, and after heated moments0:37 – Massage & Connection – Diffusing tension with touch0:52 – Mary’s Resources – Books, classes, and meditations0:53 – Meet Tyler Benner & Venn Design – Movement-friendly furniture and innovative tools0:54 – Dynamic Furniture – Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage motion0:57 – Genius Energy & Archery – Aligning bones for power and precision1:04 – Tyler’s Shot Trainer – Archery form and physics made simple1:07 – Barefoot Cycling Shoes – The first foot-shaped cycling shoes designed for comfort and performanceBOOKS & RESEARCH MENTIONEDParenting A Spicy One: A comprehensive Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid by Mary Van GeffenMove Your DNA by Katy Bowman "Movement Hunger" Signals by Katy Bowman CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Katy's Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on Substack Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days! About Mary Van Geffen OUR SPONSORVenn Design makes gorgeous, movement-friendly furniture that turns your home into a space that inspires you to move. Strong Feet Athletics’ barefoot cycling shoes give your feet freedom, comfort, and power—say goodbye to cramped toes! Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

I don’t have time to exercise.” Sound familiar? In this episode, Katy Bowman talks with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Diana Hill about one of the most common barriers to movement—and why it’s really an issue of energy management and prioritization, not time. Drawing from her books Wise Effort and I Know I Should Exercise, But... Dr. Hill shares how recognizing “choice points” throughout your day can help you move past procrastination and toward the exercise you truly want to do. Through practical psychology and real-life examples, Katy and Diana explore how to recognize your stalling loops, reduce transition friction, and align your daily movement habits with your values and genius energy. You’ll learn compassionate, doable strategies for getting unstuck—whether it’s setting your sport shoes out the night before, reframing movement as energy renewal, or aligning movement with your relationships. This episode offers fresh insight and motivation for anyone who wants to move more and make exercise feel possible again.Enhanced Show Notes and Full TranscriptEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:07:40 – Wise Effort: Using your energy in alignment with your values08:10 – Genius Energy: Recognizing your unique strengths12:44 – Overcoming “I Don’t Have Time to Exercise” with wise effort15:40 – Stalling Behavior: How to recognize and manage it20:03 – Productive Procrastination: Turning stalling energy into productive movement27:12 – Choice Point Tool: Decision moments to redirect energy toward exercise32:47 – Supporting Your Future Self: Setting up routines and contexts that help you stay active36:10 – Relationship Map: Aligning movement goals, energy, and relationships45:38 – Movement, Community, and Celebrations: Engaging others in activity49:58 – Energy Audit for Decision Making: Four questions to guide your choices57:02 – Listener Question: Floor sleeping and neck tensionBOOKS & RESEARCH MENTIONEDI Know I Should Exercise But... 44 Reasons We Don’t Move and How to Get Over Them by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most by Diana Hill  CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days! About Dr Diana Hill MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officePeluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTThoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

As we age, maintaining muscle power—not just strength—is key to staying independent, quick, and injury-free. In this episode, Katy and Jeannette explain the difference between strength and power, and why adding speed or intensity to the movements you're already doing—like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair—can make all the difference. From stair climbing to pickleball to plyometrics, learn practical ways to build power and maintain independence for years to come.They share practical ways to train power with (or without) an overhaul to your routine, and Katy chats with masters athlete and Peluva co-founder Brad Kearns about maintaining explosive strength after 60. Hear how Brad shifted from endurance to high jump, why minimalist shoes can support aging feet, and how smarter movement helps you age better.Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript CHAPTERS00:02:15 - Power - the definitions 00:06:10 - The Dynamic Collective 00:12:05 - Why Power is Important as You Get Older 00:21:15 - Listener Question about Plyometrics brought to you by Smart Playrooms 00:31:30 - Interview with power athlete Brad Kearns of Peluva Footwear  BOOKS & RESEARCH MENTIONEDMy Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanWhole Body Barefoot by Katy BowmanACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal Special Edition on Power  CONNECT, MOVE & LEARN Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officeSweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTEarth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Katy Bowman and Jeannette Loram dig into the science—and the hype—around so-called “exercise pills.” They unpack what these drugs do at the molecular level, what they can—and can’t—mimic about exercise, and who might benefit—from elite athletes to people with disabilities or chronic illness. The conversation goes beyond physiology into questions of culture, psychology, and even the future of sport—where performance-enhancing technologies are blurring the lines between natural and engineered human potential.Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript CHAPTERS 0:03:12 The Dynamic Collective 0:04:28 – How Do Exercise Pills Work?0:06:50 – Exercise Pills, Skeletal Muscle targets and ‘Enhanced’ Sport Performance0:12:30 – Who Might Benefit from Exercise Pills?0:14:08 – Why Pills Can’t Replace All The Effects of Exercise0:24:26 – Can Exercise Pills Close the Health Gap? And Why Are We Failing To Exercise Enough?0:34:26 – Beyond Blood Panels: What Pills Miss About Movement0:36:56 – Listener Question brought to you by Venn Design   RESEARCH MENTIONEDMimicking Exercise: What Matters Most and Where To Next? Hawley et al (2021)Exercise pills for cardiometabolic health cannot mimic the exercise milieu Plaza-Florido et al (2025)CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officeSmart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTIkaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits

Katy Bowman and Jeannette Loram explore skin strength, focusing on what a callus is, how calluses form on the hands and feet, and how it affects circulation. They also discuss the pros and cons of calluses, comparing them to a weight belt for your skin—reinforcing, protecting, and ultimately enabling your body to do more.They share personal stories—from rowing and kayaking to gardening—highlighting how it's often skin, not muscles, that limits activity. Katy also chats with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, about designing home spaces that promote hanging, build skin strength, and support kids’ physical and cognitive development. They cover equipment ideas, dynamic home design tips, and draw inspiration from Ninja Warrior athletes.Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript CHAPTERS 00:04:30 - The Dynamic Collective 00:08:20 - What is a Callus? And the Listener Question on calluses & circulation brought to you by Sweet Skins 00:22:30 - Updated insights about the Callus, skin strength and its relationship to whole-body movement  00:35:25 - Skin Tissue and Thoughtful Progression00:42:00 - Interview with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart PlayroomsBOOKS & RESEARCH PAPERSMove Your DNA by Katy BowmanSimple Steps to Foot Pain Relief by Katy Bowman Callus Formation by Kim et al (2010)Blood Flow In The Skin in relation to temperature and pressure by J Petrofsky (2012)Foot Callus and Tactile Sensitivity by Holowka et al (2019) - Daniel Lieberman group CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTVenn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officeSmart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits

In this episode, Katy Bowman and Jeannette Loram dive into the fascinating relationship between blood sugar, diet, and movement. They unpack how the body regulates blood sugar, what happens when this process breaks down in Type I and Type II diabetes, and why different kinds of activity play such a big role in prevention and management.Katy and Jeannette explain how contracting muscles can pull glucose directly into working cells during exercise—a powerful but site-specific effect—and how long-term training reshapes muscle to take up glucose more efficiently.They also compare the blood sugar benefits of endurance exercise, resistance training, HIIT, stretching, and even light daily movement. Along the way, they highlight two key scenarios: insulin resistance linked to excess weight and inflammation, versus insulin resistance driven by low muscle mass in people with normal weight. For the latter, they stress why resistance training—or “big body work”—is especially essential.Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript CHAPTERS 0:06:00 - Definitions 0:16:00 - The Dynamic Collective 0:17:00 - You Can’t Exercise Off Diabetes 0:20:00 - Muscle is the Key Tissue (and the Liver)0:36:30 - Stretching & Light Activity 0:47:00 - Exercise Modality for Blood Sugar Regulation0:54:25 - Listener Question on Lupus brought to you by Peluva 1:09:09 - Blood Sugar Spikes During Exercise BOOKS & RESEARCH PAPERS My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanI know I should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy BowmanExercise and GLUT4 by Flores-Opazo et al (2020) Mechanisms of endurance and resistance exercise in type 2 diabetes by Zhao et al (2025)  Sedentary behaviour as a mediator of type 2 diabetes by Hamilton et al (2015) Impact of reduced sitting time or increasing sit-to-stand transitions on blood pressure and glucose regulation in Postmenopausal women by Hartman et al (2025) The impact of standing desks on cardiometabolic and vascular health by Bodker et al (2021) CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTIkaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officeEarth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Neuro-optometrist Dr. Appelbaum breaks down the crucial difference between eyesight—what you can see—and vision—how your brain interprets what you see and turns it into action. Together, they explore the striking parallels between physical and visual health, highlighting how prolonged screen time and visual inactivity can stiffen our eye muscles just like sedentary habits stiffen our joints. Focusing on screens all day is like clenching your fist nonstop—leading to eye strain, headaches, and long-term issues like poor eye coordination, which can affect depth perception, balance, and even increase the risk of falls.The conversation covers everything from visual tics and dry eyes to how vision is connected to musculoskeletal alignment and behavior—and even offers a glimpse into the future of eye health in our tech-heavy world. Dr. Appelbaum also shares how anyone can improve visual stamina and flexibility, and Katy and Jeannette reflect on their personal experience with his online program ScreenFit—a movement program for your eyes! Dr Appelbaum is offering our listeners $200 off ScreenFit using code MOVEYOURDNA: https://bit.ly/moveyourdnaSFEnhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript CHAPTERS00:03:10 - Introducing Dr. Appelbaum 00:09:30 - Impacts of Screens on Vision  00:25:30 -  Unlocking Vision Potential Through Exercise - ScreenFit 00:41:00 - Listener Question on Dry Eyes brought to you by Earth Runners  00:50:40 - The Future of the Screen Time/Vision Connection BOOKS MENTIONEDMy Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanCONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTIkaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officeSmart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.comYour Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Explore the fascinating evolution of rucking and the cultural significance of carrying heavy loads. Discover how body adjustments can prevent discomfort while managing the challenges of rucking. Insights on integrating weights into yoga for fitness enhancement are also discussed. Plus, learn about the impact of medical hardware on bone health and the significance of mindful movement practices. This engaging conversation encourages a more thoughtful approach to fitness and personal health.

Mira Fannin, founder of Sweet Skins and expert in movement-friendly fashion, joins the conversation about the intersection of clothing and movement. They dive into how various fabrics, from compressive to loose fits, can influence physical activity. Mira shares the philosophy behind her hemp-cotton designs, promoting comfort and style for busy women. They also explore the famous Bike Time pants and how to dress for both planned and spontaneous activities, emphasizing that thoughtful clothing choices can enhance mobility and comfort in everyday life.