Show Notes
We discuss movement for the bendy body with guest Dr Libby Hinsley, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in the treatment of hypermobility syndromes and chronic pain. Libby shares her personal and professional journey with hypermobility explaining what hypermobility is and the associated symptoms. Libby, Katy and Jeannette discuss the paradox that bendy bodies have large ranges of motion yet tense muscles and how a sedentary lifestyle is even more of a liability for people with hypermobility syndromes. Libby and Katy outline the ABCs of a movement program for bendy bodies that often struggle with proprioception and are easily fatigued. They emphasize the importance of higher load activities performed with very mindful attention to exercise form. They caution that smaller and slower movements are key whatever the exercise modality.
Also in this episode, Katy has a conversation with Sohail Shariff of Movemate, creator of segmented active standing boards designed to be used while you work. Sohail explains the personal stories behind the product and its design. Katy shares her appreciation of the boards particularly how these boards foster dynamic movement of the foot and ankle, something missing with traditional balance boards. Sohail and Katy also discuss the board's segmented design; the multiple articulations create a flowing but stable motion which means Katy can move and focus on work at the same time. Finally they discuss the value of the board in the therapeutic space particularly for those with a need for movement that soothes the nervous system. Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript Chapters: 00:04:45 - Dynamic Collective 00:06:15 - Introducing Libby Hinsley 00:10:30 - Hypermobility - Definition and Explanation 00:14:40 - Symptoms 00:23:35 - Exercise and muscle use in the floppy body 00:29:30 - A Movement Diet for the bendy body 00:41:30 - Listener Question brought to you by Peluva 00:55:35 - Interview with Sohail Shariff of Movemate
Books Mentioned: Yoga for Bendy People: Optimizing the Benefits of Yoga for Hypermobility by Libby Hinsley I Know I Should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman Connect, Move & Learn Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored Glasses Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!
Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors: Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow 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 Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials.
Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits
More from Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman
Plantar fasciitis! What is it, exactly? How can a problem in such a small area of the body have such a big impact on the entire body? How can exercise fix the issue if moving hurts? What if plantar fasciitis isn't only an overuse issue, but also an issue of underuse? Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr Jeannette Loram get into what’s happening in the various tissues of the foot (including that it's not really an issue of inflammation as much as it's an issue of plantar fascia degeneration) and what to do about it. Jim Leuty of My Happy Feet joins in later, to talk about toe-spreading socks, foot mobility and making foot care part of everyday life. Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript
Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) can cause pain, stiffness and a significant loss of shoulder range of motion. In this episode, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr Jeannette Loram explain what’s actually happening inside the shoulder capsule during frozen shoulder. They discuss the different stages of the condition — including the freezing, frozen and thawing phases — as well as its connections with inflammation, menopause and diabetes. They also explore why movement matters for shoulder health, and during recovery from frozen shoulder. To understand how movement can affect the shoulder capsule, it’s important to distinguish between movement in the shoulder and movement of the shoulder. Katy and Jeannette also look at everyday habits that may limit capsule movement and share some practical daily movements for maintaining shoulder mobility. Plus, they answer a listener's question about using hand paddles when swimming.
You hear the Move Your DNA message: you need more movement spread throughout your day, not just more exercise. But how is that possible if you work a conventional 9–5 office job? Join biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram as they walk through a typical day for an office worker, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., looking at ways to find more movement both during and beyond the workday. They share practical ideas for building movement into how you get dressed, shower, eat, commute, work, do chores, relax and spend time with family and friends — without needing to carve out more hours for exercise. At 9 a.m., Katy is joined by Sohail Shariff, co-founder of Movemate, to explore how to bring more movement into your workstation while staying productive. They discuss why simply switching from sitting to standing isn't necessarily the answer, and how varying your position is both “cyclical movement” and “cyclical rest,” allowing different parts of the body to take turns being moved and loaded. Your low back will thank you! Katy and Jeannette also discuss getting away from your workstation to move and tackle a common concern: won't taking movement breaks make me less productive? Katy suggests that stepping away can actually support productivity and shares some of her own “tells” that she's no longer doing focused work — like jumping between tasks — explaining how recognising these moments can become a cue to move and then return to the task refreshed. Whether you're tied to a desk for 8 hours or simply spend too much of your day sitting, this episode offers practical ways to find more movement throughout the whole day.
Movement isn't just about muscles and joints. It's also about how our bodies are taking in, interpreting and responding to the world around us. Katy Bowman and Dr. Jeannette Loram discuss how listening can provide valuable information about how we're moving: listening to the sound of your feet landing as you walk, the rhythm and mechanics of rowing, the sound of your stroke as you swim, and even the timing and quality of the breath during exercise can attune you to the form and efficiency of your movement. The conversation turns to vision with neuro-optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum. Katy and Dr Appelbaum explore the relationship between vision and movement, including how visual information can influence balance, spatial orientation and confidence when navigating complex environments. They discuss how our ability to perceive the physical world can be diminished by prolonged, narrow focus on our screens, and how menopause can make visually demanding tasks even more overwhelming. Dr. Appelbaum shares some eye exercises to help us take in more of the world around us—improving our visual system and physical competence at the same time. Finally, Katy and Jeannette answer a listener question about movement programmes for blind people.
Katy talks to kids raised in a dynamic, "low-furniture" home that swapped conventional couches for indoor monkey bars and balance toys. How did it go? Katy and Jeannette also talk about raising dynamic kids as they grow up, including family movement, getting teenagers to participate, and navigating phones and screen time. Then Katy talks to Pack Matthews, creator of the Soul Seat, about his new Fidget Seat designed for children, and how flexible seating can give kids more opportunities to move while they learn and can also help with focus and attention.