Yoga Meets Movement Science artwork

Yoga Meets Movement Science

50 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 92 ratings

Yoga Meets Movement Science takes a science-based look at many of the common questions, myths, and controversies that arise in the realms of yoga, movement, and fitness. Join yoga teacher and educator Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor and longtime yogi Travis Pollen on this crash course, where the worlds of yoga and movement science collide!

Fitness Health & Fitness Alternative Health yoga yoga teacher yoga teacher training yoga biomechanics yoga anatomy yoga tutorial yoga tips yoga instructor yoga student yoga workshop
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Yoga and Artificial Intelligence w/ Jules Mitchell, MS

December 19, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Jules Mitchell, MS to discuss yoga and artificial intelligence (AI). Points of discussion include: What is AI? How do we commonly interact with AI in today’s world? What would an AI for yoga look like on a practical level? What was Jules’ experience like consulting with a company that wanted to develop AI for yoga? What are the strengths of AI for yoga? What are the limitations of AI for yoga? Is A...

Wellness Myths in the Yoga World

November 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Andrea Love (co-founders of the Unbiased Science Podcast) to discuss wellness myths in the yoga world. Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP is a public health scientist and data scientist, and Andrea Love, PhD is an immunologist and microbiologist. Together, they run the Unbiased Science Podcast and all of its associated educational resources. Through their work, Jessica and Andrea are de...

The Top 7 Most Misused Movement Terms

October 01, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MB

Jenni and Travis discuss the top 7 most misused movement terms in yoga. Why did each of these movement terms make the list? How are their common uses in the yoga world unhelpful? How can we update our movement-based yoga language to be more in line with movement science? Jenni and Travis are also offering a free *written guide* to the top 7 most misused movement terms! Grab your free guide here: https://www.jennirawlings.com/yoga-language-clarified-sign-up Resources mentioned in this episo...

What Yogis Should Know About Cardio

August 22, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by special guest Alec Blenis to discuss what yogis should know about cardio. Alec Blenis is a hybrid athlete, strength and conditioning coach, and science nerd. He holds a B.S. in physics from Georgia Tech and is a former professional obstacle course racer and ultrarunner (he’s completed over 50 ultras.) Alec is also the current world record holder in Murph, a CrossFit workout we discuss in the show. As a co...

Yoga Myths About the Knees

August 01, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss yoga myths about the knees. Points of discussion include: Will running wear out your knees? What is a systematic review with meta analysis? Should we avoid locking our knees in yoga? Are knee pops and clicks bad? Are open chain knee extension exercises bad? What’s the deal with knee alignment in chair pose? Is knee valgus in our standing yoga poses bad? Should you *not* square your hips in warrior 1 in ...

ABCs of the Knees: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing

July 11, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of the knees. Points of discussion include: What is the structure of the knee joint? What are the ligaments of the knee? Are quadriceps-targeted exercises the only way to strengthen the knee? Is the knee joint only a hinge joint? What’s the screw home mechanism of the knee? What are knee valgus and knee varus? What is knee hyperextension and what is terminal knee ext...

What is a Yoga Teacher's Scope of Practice?

June 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the amazing Catherine Wilkinson to discuss a yoga teacher’s scope of practice. Catherine Wilkinson is the founder of Wellness Connection Yoga School, where she also serves as the course designer and lead trainer for their 200hr and 500hr yoga teacher trainings (offered both in-person and online). Catherine holds a BSc/MSc in Health Sciences, and she strives to be as evidence-based as possible in her appro...

Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 2: Yin Yoga, Myofascial Release, & More

May 30, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 2 of a 2-part series. This second episode of this 2-part series focuses on the questions: 1) Does Yin Yoga target fascia? 2) Does myofascial release work? (Part 1 of this series focused on the questions: What is fascia? And: Can we train fascia through active movement?) Points of discussion in this episode include: A review of the definition of fascia What claims does Yin Yoga m...

Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 1: Can We Train Fascia?

May 16, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 1 of a 2-part series. This first episode focuses on the questions: 1) What is fascia? 2) Can we specifically train fascia through active movement? (Part 2 of this series focuses on the questions: Does Yin Yoga target fascia? And: Does myofascial release work?) Points of discussion in this episode include: Travis and Jenni’s personal backgrounds with the fascia community The “Fas...

The Great Wild Thing Debate

May 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss wild thing – a yoga pose that many yoga practitioners have strong opinions about! Jenni and Travis discuss the anatomy and biomechanics of wild thing, as well as a controversial kerfuffle that happened in the yoga community surrounding this yoga pose a few years ago. Points of discussion include: The anatomy & biomechanics of wild thing The controversial kerfuffle about wild thing in the yoga community The d...

Can Stretching Make You Strong? w/ Greg Nuckols

April 18, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 90.5 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Greg Nuckols to discuss whether stretching can make you strong. Greg has an M.A. in exercise and sports science and is the co-founder of Stronger by Science and MacroFactor (the best nutrition app on the market). He’s held three all-time world records in powerlifting, is an international speaker, and is the author of multiple books. He’s also the co-host of the Stronger by Science podcast. Points of discu...

The ABCs of Hip Rotation

April 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of hip rotation. Points of discussion include: A brief intro to hip joint anatomy Open vs. closed chain hip rotation What is the average ROM of hip external & internal rotation? What are hip anteversion and retroversion? What does research suggest about the connection between lack of hip rotation and hip pain? The difference between alignment/position and muscular act...

Should We Always Listen to Our Body?

March 21, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss what research suggests about whether we should truly “always listen to our body”. Points of discussion include: A review of interoception Do yoga & mindfulness practices actually improve interoception? What’s the connection between interoception and anxiety? Does what we feel in our body necessarily reflect what is actually taking place in our body? Do feelings of back stiffness correlate to actual biomech...

Are Some Muscles Magical?

March 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the phenomenon of “magic muscles”: the tendency in the yoga, fitness, and rehab worlds to treat some muscles as more important or more special than other muscles. Points of discussion include: What is a magic muscle? Muscle-based approaches in strength training & bodybuilding Teaching yoga with a  “teach movement, not muscles” approach What research suggests about these specific magic muscles: Quadratus Lu...

What Yoga Teachers Should Know About Breathing Physiology

February 21, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by special guest Joe Miller, MS to discuss the physiology of breathing. Joe Miller has been teaching yoga since 2000, and he has a master’s degree in applied physiology from Columbia University. He teaches anatomy and physiology in yoga teacher trainings nationally and worldwide. He’s also a Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Poin...

Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing: Does It Matter?

February 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss what scientific research suggests about nasal vs. mouth breathing. In addition to nasal vs. mouth breathing as a general topic, Jenni and Travis also take a closer look at the Buteyko Breathing Method, as well as and 2 popular books on breathing: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (2020) and The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown (2015). This episode features a special guest interview at th...

What's the Deal With Complementary & Alternative Medicine?

January 24, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable science educator Jonathan Jarry, MS to discuss complementary and alternative medicine. Jonathan Jarry is a science communicator for McGill University’s Office for Science and Society. He has a master’s degree in molecular biology, and he brings his experience in cancer research, human genetics, rehabilitation research, and forensic biology to the work he does for the public. Jonathan als...

Yoga Alignment Rules That Don’t Make Sense

January 10, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss a selection of yoga alignment cues that don't make sense! These cues all have one thing in common: they are each used inconsistently across similar (or the same) positions. By examining these carefully-chosen examples, we gain insight into whether or not these cues are actually important. And we improve our ability to think critically about the information we’re taught! Yoga alignment rules covered in this epis...

Myths About Women & Strength Training w/ Claire Zai, MS

December 27, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 65 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable and inspiring Claire Zai, a strength coach with Barbell Medicine and a competitive powerlifter with her bachelor’s degree in physiology & neuroscience and her master’s degree in physiology with a focus on biomechanics. They discuss myths and evidence-based information about women & strength training, including these topics: How societal gender stereotypes influence how we view women’s a...

The ABCs of Down Dog: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing

December 13, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of the yoga asana downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana). Points of discussion include: The anatomy and joint positions of down dog The biomechanical effects that down dog has on the body Should we externally rotate our shoulders in down dog? What is “shoulder impingement”, and why is this an outdated model for shoulder pain? Should we ground our inner hands down i...

Should We Stop Teaching Yoga for Low Back Pain?

November 29, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the legendary Paul Ingraham, owner and operator of www.PainScience.com, to discuss the connection between yoga and low back pain. Points of discussion include: How and why pain is weird What’s the difference between acute, chronic, and persistent pain? When back pain is connected to a serious medical condition (which is rare), what are some of these possible conditions? Is back pain usually a biomecha...

Which Yoga Educators Should I Trust?

November 15, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 65.7 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss helpful tips for how to discern whether or not to trust a source of information in the yoga, fitness, and rehab worlds. Points of discussion include: Concrete tips for how to think more scientifically Jenni and Travis’ personal experiences with being taught misinformation in trainings they’ve taken How to look on the bright side about having been taught misinformation in the past Common biases we are all pr...

Is Rounding Your Back Dangerous? w/ Dr. Sam Spinelli

November 01, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 66.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Sam Spinelli to discuss all things lumbar flexion! Sam is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS), co-founder of E3 Rehab, and co-founder of Citizen Athletics. He does a fantastic job bringing evidence-based education on the topics of rehab and exercise to the general public through his social media presence (especially on his E3 Reha...

ABCs of the Shoulder: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing in Yoga

October 11, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss all things shoulders! Points of discussion include: The anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint complex Common micromanaging shoulder cues we hear in the yoga, movement, & fitness worlds The biomechanics of how to strengthen the shoulders Does yoga really strengthen the shoulders? How can we protect the shoulders from pain and injury in yoga? Why do many people’s shoulders pop and click so much? S...

All Things Hamstrings: Cramps, "Yoga Butt", Flexibility, Strength, & More

October 04, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss all things hamstrings! Points of discussion include: The anatomy of the hamstrings muscles The biomechanics of how to strengthen the hamstrings Does yoga strengthen the hamstrings? What’s the connection between hamstring strengthening and hamstring flexibility? What is “yoga butt” (a.k.a. proximal hamstring tendinopathy)? What causes yoga butt? Who tends to develop this condition? How is yoga butt genera...

Posture is Overrated w/ Todd Hargrove

September 20, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Todd Hargrove to discuss the controversial topic of posture and alignment in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds. Todd is a Feldenkrais practitioner, Rolfer, former attorney, author of the books A Guide to Better Movement and Playing With Movement, and more. Points of discussion include: What do the terms “posture” and “alignment” mean? What does society’s idea of “good posture” look like? The disti...

Interoception, Emotions, Pain, & Yoga

September 06, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the fascinating and hugely relevant topic of interoception and its connection to yoga, mindfulness practices, emotion, pain, and more. Points of discussion include: Pain science and interoception science are intimately related The hugely integral role that interoception plays in how we experience and feel our bodies in the world is generally overlooked Interoception research is rapidly evolving, and it’s imp...

Does Yoga Count as Exercise?

August 23, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss whether yoga can be considered “exercise” – and why this is a much more complex and nuanced question than it might appear to be on the surface! Points of discussion include: Is a yoga practice challenging enough to be considered “exercise” by exercise science definitions? What is the technical definition of “exercise”, and how is it different from “physical activity”? Can a yoga practice by itself give our b...

The Connection Between Strength Training & Range of Motion w/ Greg Nuckols

August 09, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Greg Nuckols to discuss the connection between strength training and range of motion. Greg has an M.A. in exercise and sports science and is the co-founder of Stronger by Science, MASS (a monthly research review on strength sports), and MacroFactor (a nutrition app). He’s held three all-time world records in powerlifting, is an international speaker, and the author of multiple books. Points of discussion ...

The Surprising Science of Asymmetry, Injury, & Yoga

July 26, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MB

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 “correctin...

Chair Pose: Knees Over Toes and Other Hot-Topic Woes

July 12, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss chair pose (utkatasana), squats (malasana), and the common alignment questions and confusions that arise about these poses. Points of discussion include: The anatomy and biomechanics of chair pose The differences and similarities between yoga’s chair pose and the strength world’s squat Variations of chair pose Is a bodyweight yoga practice a good way to build strength for chair pose? The difference between...

Language, Fear, & Science in the Yoga Studio w/ Matthew Huy, MSc

June 28, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Matthew Huy, MSc to discuss his recent dissertation: “Language, Fear, and Science in the Yoga Studio”. Matthew is a longtime yoga teacher and an anatomy and physiology teacher in yoga teacher trainings worldwide. He also holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science and is the co-author of the book The Physiology of Yoga, published by Human Kinetics in June 2022. Points of discussion include: How can the y...

Pigeon Pose: Friend or Foe?

June 14, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the ins and outs of pigeon pose. Points of discussion include: A description of the anatomy and biomechanics of pigeon The different variations of pigeon pose and their unique effects on the body Is pigeon pose risky for the front knee? The relationship between pigeon pose and the piriformis muscle of the hip Do we ever realistically stretch one muscle in isolation? Is pigeon pose a good treatment for sci...

Stop Micromanaging Your Yoga Students!

May 31, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 58 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of micromanaging in yoga and movement classes. Points of discussion include: What does “micromanaging” mean in a yoga or movement context? Do we see micromanaging tendencies in other movement fields, such as personal training, physical therapy, or somatics-based practices? What are some examples of micromanaging that we see in yoga classes? Why is it common for yoga instructors to use a micromanag...

What’s the Best Way to Teach Yoga? Visual, Verbal, & Kinesthetic Cueing

May 17, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss verbal, visual, and kinesthetic cueing in yoga and movement teaching. Using the tool of movement science, they examine what scientific evidence suggests about how these various teaching tools can best be utilized in a yoga/movement setting to optimize learning. Points of discussion include: Is it true that there are 3 types of learners: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic? Or is this a neuromyth? Is teaching yo...

Are Headstand & Shoulder Stand the King & Queen of Yoga Poses?

May 03, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the widely varying viewpoints on headstand and shoulder stand in the yoga world. On the one hand, these two inversions are often proclaimed to be the “king and queen of yoga poses” and are therefore treated as almost essential yoga poses. On the other hand, there’s a growing belief in the yoga world that these two poses are inherently injurious and should not be taught in yoga classes. Jenni and Travis examine ...

The Truth About Polyvagal Theory w/ Dr. Laura Baehr

April 19, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the nervous system and take a science-based look at the popular polyvagal theory with Dr. Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, and PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences. Points of discussion include: A brief primer on nervous system structure and function The relationship between the “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” nervous system responses The definition of “resilience” and how a movement practice can enhance th...

The Glutes: Peachy Keen or Not All They Seem?

April 05, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 48 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the glutes and the many beliefs and claims about this area of the body we tend to hear in the yoga, fitness, and therapeutic worlds. Points of discussion include: A brief overview of the functional anatomy of the glutes Should we relax or contract our glutes in backbends in yoga? The difference between internal and external movement cues Is glute strengthening important for preventing and treating pain? Wh...

Is Restorative Yoga Truly De-Stressing?

March 21, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss a controversial study that found that stretching was more de-stressing than restorative yoga. Could this assertion possibly be true? Points of discussion include: The temptation to make definitive conclusions based on the results of a single study What is the “stress response” (a biological process in the human body)? What’s the relationship between restorative yoga and the stress response? What’s the relat...

Hot Yoga, Cold Yoga, & The Science of Body Temperature

March 08, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 50.3 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss how hot yoga and cold yoga affect the body and the eye-opening and geeky science of body temperature! Points of discussion include: How does temperature affect our bodies in general, and what role does it play when we’re moving our bodies in yoga or any other movement practice? Is hot yoga a safe type of yoga, or does it pose significant risks we should be aware of? Does the sweating that we do in hot yoga d...

You Can't Go Wrong Getting Strong... Or Can You? w/ Adam Meakins

February 22, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MB

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the many nuanced connections between strength and pain with Adam Meakins, a brilliant and influential physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach. Points of discussion include: What is strength, and what parameters need to be met in order for an activity to be strengthening? If someone adds strength work into their movement practice and they end up feeling better in their body, why do they feel better...

Do We Store Emotions in Our Hips?

February 08, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of whether or not we store emotions in our hips (or in our body in general). Points of discussion include: Is this claim accurate? What’s the explanation for why and how emotions are stored in our hips or in our body, and does this explanation hold up to scrutiny? Is the psoas muscle a magic muscle? What’s the connection between “hip-openers” and emotion? The “recovered-memory ...

Is Chaturanga a Shoulder-Shredder?

January 25, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of chaturanga, or yoga’s push-up-like asana.  Points of discussion include: The anatomy & biomechanics of chaturanga The differences between chaturanga and a typical push-up you’d find in the fitness world Why chaturanga is actually a much more difficult pose than many people realize Potential injury mechanisms of chaturanga Should the elbows hug in in chaturanga or not? Shoul...

Can We Prevent Yoga Injuries?

January 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the hot topic of how to prevent yoga injuries. Travis is a recognized expert in the field of injury prevention, having researched and written his dissertation on the topic, as well as creating a masterclass on injury prevention for Physio Network. His insights on preventing injuries in yoga are therefore especially valuable and insightful! Points of discussion in this episode include: How is a...

Is Ashtanga a Cult? And the Value of Strength

December 27, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 50.4 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen cover a ton of ground regarding yoga, strength, and movement, including these hot-button topics (and more!): Is Ashtanga Yoga a cult? Are repetitive movement activities a bad idea? 4 distinct phases that a movement science-based yogi might go through on their yoga journey over time The common tendency to see yoga as a magical practice that offers everyone everything they need How a strength trainin...

Stretching Myths and Stretching Facts w/ Greg Lehman

December 14, 2021 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the science of stretching with one of their mentors and biggest inspirations, Greg Lehman, BKin, MSc, DC, MScPT. As is the norm with this podcast, an abundance of common myths about this topic are highlighted and busted. We hope this discussion helps inspire a change in the dialog around stretching in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds! Topics discussed include: What is stretching? What’s...

The Truth About Core Training

November 29, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

The core is a multifaceted and somewhat controversial topic in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds. In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of the core, busting many myths about this region of the body along the way! Points of discussion include: What is the core? What is the function of the core? Should the core be trained isometrically (without movement) or dynamically (with movement)? Is there a recommended orde...

Is Yoga Functional Movement?

November 09, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MB

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the confusing and not-well-defined term of “functional movement” and whether this term should be used to describe yoga. Topics covered in this episode include: What does the term functional movement mean? How is the term functional movement commonly used both in the yoga world and in the fitness/strength & conditioning world? Are “pretzel”-like yoga poses non-functional? Are isolated, single...

What’s the Best Way to Sequence a Yoga Class?

October 26, 2021 14:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

This episode might change the way you think about yoga sequencing! In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen have a thorough, nuanced discussion about yoga sequencing. Using a movement science lens, they cover what yoga sequencing is, why it matters, some common approaches to sequencing, and they include a special focus on “peak pose sequencing” – arguably the most popular style of sequencing out there! Jenni and Travis cover some of the adva...

Stability: Clearing Up a Confusing Term!

October 11, 2021 02:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Learn all about the term “stability” as it applies to the human body and movement! Stability is a buzz term in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds today, and it’s often used in multiple different ways to mean different things, which can make for a confusing and not well-understood concept. In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen cover the varying definitions and uses of this complex term, including: the biomechanical definition of stabi...

Twitter Mentions

@crackedscience 1 Episode
@toddhargrove 1 Episode
@adammeakins 1 Episode
@greglehman 1 Episode