Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days!Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk all about swimming. They discuss the history of human swimming; whether humans are natural-born swimmers, evidence for swimming in the past and physiological adaptations found in swimming and diving cultures.They discuss the four classic swimming strokes as well as other ways to move in the water and explore the movement macro-and micro-nutrients found in swimming. They talk about joint and bone support and the trade-offs of exercising in buoyant water. They also offer tips for avoiding swimming-related neck and back pain.Finally, Katy and Jeannette touch on the aquatic Olympics and athletic longevity and also share their personal swimming histories and favorite ways of moving through the water.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanist, Jeannette Loram, a biologist, and Vybarr Cregan-Reid, an English professor, dive into the fascinating relationship between books and physical health. They explore how reading fosters empathy and mental workouts, discussing the evolution of storytelling across cultures. The trio debates the physical toll of writing, shares personal strategies for maintaining well-being, and reflects on the historical significance of reading. Their insights highlight the complex interplay between literature, identity, and the body.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanist specializing in movement science, teams up with biologist Jeannette Loram to tackle all things hiking. They discuss essential preparation tips, gear choices, and ways to manage fatigue or pain while on the trails. Discover why downhill hiking can strain your knees and calves, and gain insights into biomechanics that improve your hiking form. Katy also shares a weekly exercise plan to bolster your hiking experience alongside the benefits of pairing hiking with swimming for a well-rounded fitness routine.

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days!To Hiking pole, or not to hiking pole, is the question that biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram address in this episode.The use of poles has become a hotly debated topic among hikers and Katy and Jeannette dive in to help explore the issue. They discuss how poles are used in fitness and hiking scenarios, as well as their potential advantages and disadvantages. They specifically get into how the arms and upper body can be used during hiking and explain the mechanics of walking uphill and downhill with poles. They discuss how poles can be useful tools to support balance, decrease fatigue and prevent joint discomfort, but also explain how relying on poles all of the time can leave us missing important movement nutrients and leave some parts of us undertrained.

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days!Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram discuss bunions; what they are, how they are created and what to do about them. Inspired by a recent article in National Geographic, they unpack the idea that bunions are a failure of evolution. Rather than being due to a poorly engineered toe, Katy and Jeannette show how bunions are actually created by forces of habit: restrictive footwear and certain walking patterns create forces that push and pull on our big toe and foot with every step we take. Find out how you need to look to the hip, as well as the foot, when working and walking to correct bunions.

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and Parent Coach Mary Van Geffen discuss how movement can regulate emotions in 'spicy kids'. They talk about using outdoor play, big-body movements, combative play, and controlled destruction to help kids express feelings and foster autonomy. Learn how parents can support kids' physical and emotional needs through physical closeness and modeling movement.

Jeannette Loram, a UK-based biologist and co-host, dives into the transformative ideas from Katy Bowman's upcoming book, discussing the concept of movement as nutrition. They introduce the S.L.O.T.H time budget model to help listeners enhance their daily physical activity. The conversation shifts to reframing movement from a punitive obligation to a nourished joy, encouraging a mindfulness approach tailored to individual needs. Jeannette emphasizes creating personalized movement plans that align with personal motivations, transforming how we engage with movement in our lives.

Biologist Jeannette Loram and Biomechanist Katy Bowman discuss the concept of movement 'as nutrition'. They talk about the movement macronutrients, micronutrients, and calories, emphasizing the importance of diverse movement choices. They explore the movement patterns of hunter-gatherer tribes, creating a 'movement pyramid' to guide optimal movement diet.

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days!Clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill joins biomechanist Katy Bowman for an enlightening episode about the delicate balance between setting high expectations and practicing self-compassion, particularly in the realms of movement and mindfulness. Discover how recognizing the constant movements in our lives can lead to intentional responses and holistic well-being. From debunking misconceptions to exploring practical exercises, Katy and Diana offer valuable insights into embracing self-compassion in movement and daily life. 

Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 Days!Dr. Andrea Graves, an animal behavior expert, illuminates the profound significance of movement for animals and humans alike. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Katy and Andrea delve into the essential role of providing enriching environments for animals to express their natural behaviors authentically. From discussing innovative approaches like creating "chicken jungle gyms" to exploring the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in animal welfare, the conversation underscores the interconnectedness between movement, animal welfare, and environmental enrichment.