The Shape of Cycling — and How to Balance It

Cycling is fantastic for cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and getting around—but what happens when it becomes your main form of movement? In this episode, Katy Bowman and Dr. Jeannette Loram explore how cycling shapes the body, from bone health and posture to hip mobility, spinal curves, and pelvic comfort. They discuss why even healthy forms of exercise don't provide every movement nutrient you need, and share practical strategies to help cyclists enjoy the ride while supporting long-term strength, mobility, and resilience.Plus Katy speaks with Tyler Benner, founder of Strong Feet Athletics, about the role of the feet in cycling and what happens when we lock them into rigid compressive cycling shoes for hours at a time. They explore the benefits of a more foot-shaped, flexible cycling shoe and how allowing the feet more freedom may help support lower limb function both on and off the bike.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:22 — Dynamic Collective Sponsors2:37 — Introduction to Cycling, the Movement Diet, and the Tissues of the Body5:35 — Bone Density in Cyclists13:36 — Low Energy Availability in Cyclists: Effects on Hormones and Bones17:36 — How Your Body Can Become Semi-Fixed in a Cycling Shape20:04 — Hyperkyphosis and Cervical Issues25:19 — Pelvic Position and Compression30:47 — Practical Ways to Balance Cycling33:22 — Interview with Tyler Benner: The Creator of the First Foot-Shaped Cycling Shoe56:10 — Listener Question: What Kind of Pillow Should You Sleep On? Sponsored by My Happy FeetBooks, Links and Resources:Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief by Katy Bowman Move Your DNA by Katy BowmanMy Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes Strong Feet Athletics: the first foot-shaped cycling shoeAnya's Review of Strong Feet Athletics Leviathan cycling shoeConnect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAEarth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Freet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingMovemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

What if one simple cue could change the way you walk? In this episode, Katy introduces movement mantras—easy-to-remember prompts that help you improve your gait one step at a time. Learn how small changes to posture, arm swing, push-off, foot placement, and even the routes you choose can make walking feel stronger, smoother, and more comfortable.Plus, Katy and Jeannette talk with the team behind Freet Barefoot about walking culture, healthy footwear, and hiking in all kinds of terrain, before answering a listener question on vibration plates and lymphatic drainage.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:00 — Intro & encouraging kids to walk7:15 — Dynamic Collective Sponsors14:20 — The “Mental Ten” for better walking15:00 — Movement mantras for posture, arm swing and push-off18:15 —Vary your route, vary your carry21:25 — Freet Barefoot and walking culture23:00 — The story behind Freet Barefoot 31:05 — Multi-day walks, footwear and foot strength 37:50 — Walking culture and ‘Rights to Roam’ in the UK 43:05 — Favourite Freet Barefoot customer testimonials 47:40 — Do Vibration Plates Help Lymph Drainage? (sponsored by ScreenFit™).Books, Links and Resources:More about Freet BarefootA stepwise course to Walking Well with Katy Bowman & Jill MillerConnect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Earth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Freet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingMovemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAThoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram unpack emerging research on heart disease, inflammation, cholesterol, and arterial plaque. Inspired by a recent Scientific American article, they explore what plaque is, how and why it forms, and how blood flow patterns influence where plaque accumulates in the arteries. They discuss recent evidence that places inflammation as a foundational piece of heart disease and how the ‘spiky’ shape and structure of cholesterol in plaque has a direct role in the inflammatory pathways and immune system overreactions that occur in heart disease. Katy and Jeannette offer practical insights into how regular activity, varied positioning, and lifestyle choices can help support healthy arteries. They also discuss the importance of scientific curiosity, prevention over treatment, and why understanding the body's processes can inspire better self-care.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:00 — Introduction:  the Scientific American article on heart inflammation3:43 — Dynamic Collective9.15 — Main takeaway: inflammation, cholesterol and heart disease9:47 — What is plaque? 15:33 — Why plaque forms in specific locations within arteries: wounding and blood flow 23:12 — How cholesterol enters arterial walls  40:00 — Why understanding the body can deepen appreciation and motivation for self-care44:16 — Listener question: sciatic pain (sponsored by Venn Design).Books, Links and Resources:Science and Poetry by Mary Midgely Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingMy Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAEarth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTFreet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

This is the Men’s Health episode in honour of Father’s Day this month.Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr Jeannette Loram discuss health issues more common in male bodies, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, type 2 diabetes, gout, and male pelvic health.Drawing on anatomy, physiology, and lifestyle habits, they explore why men may be more susceptible to these conditions and offer movement and lifestyle solutions to consider. They also take a deeper look at the relationships between abdominal aortic aneurysms, pelvic health, and how chair sitting and sedentary lifestyles may affect both.Whether you're interested in men's health or caring for the men in your life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on common health challenges through a movement lens.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:00 — Intro and welcome.2:40 — Conditions more common in men: abdominal aortic aneurysms, diabetes, gout, and testicular issues.3:40 — Thanks to our sponsors: the Dynamic Collective.6:20 — What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?9:33 — Why are abdominal aortic aneurysms more prevalent in men?16:10 — Sitting as a cardiovascular risk factor.17:07 — Testicles, chairs, and pelvic tucking.25:20 — Waist stiffness, abdominal weakness, and pelvic floor function.29:19 — Movement considerations for pelvic and abdominal health.31:00 — Type 2 diabetes, muscle loss, and men’s health.32:48 — Gout: why men are more at risk and exercise considerations.37:30 — Listener question: male vs. female flexibility (sponsored by Ikaria Design).Books, Links and Resources:Rethink Your Position by Katy Bowman Diabetes and Exercise: How Exactly Muscle Movement Manages Blood Sugar –– Podcast Ep 187Connect, Move & Learn:Join 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 DNA10ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTMovemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingMy Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAFreet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Earth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr Jeannette Loram explore the fascinating world of vibration: the benefits and costs of impact to the body and the importance of sensing vibration in humans and other animals.Katy and Jeannette discuss how foot impacts during walking may actually form part of the brain’s circulatory system. They also unpack the science of vibration plates and whether they are useful for muscle strength, bone health, and balance. The conversation then turns to running, exploring how it generates vibrations through the body’s soft tissues, how these vibrations may affect performance, and what runners can do about it. Finally, they share some remarkable examples of vibration sensing in animals and consider how modern lifestyles may limit this sense in humans.The discussion on impact and contact with the ground continues with Mike Dally of Earth Runners®, creators of minimalist earthing sandals. Katy and Mike talk about the aims of minimalist footwear in reducing interference between the foot and the ground, how to adapt to minimalist sandals, and new designs in development, including an easy-to-put-on children’s sandal.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:00 The barefoot shoe expo debrief3:40 The Dynamic Collective6:40 Introduction to vibrations and waves8:22 Walking vibrations and brain health13:26 Vibrations and bone: building bone and fracture16:04 Soft tissue vibration during running17:45 Vibration plates: how do they work, and are they worth it?25:25 Running revisited33:44 Vibration sensing in animals40:08 Mike Dally from Earth Runners®52:25 Over-engineering health solutions rather than removing interference56:00 Adapting to minimalist sandals58:40 New products coming up: user-friendly children’s sandals1:06:45 Listener question on foot pressure issues, sponsored by MovemateBooks, Links and Resources:An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed YongMary Roach books Katy’s stylish strappy shoes How Walking Benefits The Brain Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse The Ins, Outs, Ups and Downs of Breast Movement Interview with Dr Libby Hinsley: Hypermobility, Proprioception & Building Up a Bendy Body - Podcast Ep #177Earth Runners® Sandals Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10Freet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.Earth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTThoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Biomechanist Katy Bowman speaks with physical therapist Dr Anietie (Tia) Ukpe-Wallace about pelvic health, movement, and self-care.They discuss Tia’s recent book, Tending To Your Womb, a guide to caring for the uterus and pelvic tissues through awareness, movement, and practical self-care strategies. In this episode, Katy and Tia focus on movement-based approaches for uterine retroversion, a pelvic misalignment that can contribute to sacral pain, sciatic symptoms, and constipation.They also explore clitoral atrophy — a reduction in tissue size, tone, and flexibility that can occur during menopause — and share movement and self-care practices to help maintain mobility and function.Tune in and join in for a guided pelvic clock movement sequence taught by Tia.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript0:00 Intro & New Dynamic Collective6:56 Meet Dr. Tia Ukpe-Wallace9:49 Misalignments of the uterus15:30 Symptoms of a retroverted uterus: constipation, sacral pain & sciatica19:55 The pelvic clock: join in with a guided practice!27:43 Clitoral atrophy in menopause & movement-based approaches35:24 Self-care: not indulgence, but simple body maintenance42:25 Where to find Tia Ukpe-Wallace46:34 Listener question on prolapse, sponsored by Earth RunnersBooks, Links and Resources:Tending to your Womb: Self-Care for Every Stage of Your Reproductive Journey, No Matter the Outcome by Anietie Ukpe-Wallace About Tia Ukpe-WallaceTia on Instagram @selfcarephysio Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Freet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off. Earth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTMy Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sittingThoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Biomechanist Katy Bowman speaks with gerontologist and author Dr. Kerry Burnight about her concept of joyspan—a missing piece in how we think about aging well.We often hear about lifespan (how long we live) and healthspan (how long we stay physically well), but what about the quality of those years? Dr. Burnight introduces joyspan as our capacity to experience a meaningful, fulfilling life as we age. In this framework, joy is not simple happiness, but a deeper sense of wellbeing that can coexist with challenge, grief, and change.Katy and Dr. Burnight explore the Joyspan Matrix—Give, Connect, Adapt, and Grow—and how these actions enable us to thrive as we age. Rather than viewing aging as inevitable decline they discuss aging as development, the positives of aging and how to step into eldership.Katy also speaks with our sponsor, Sohail Shariff of Movemate, creators of a unique dynamic wooden standing board that provides continuous, wave-like movement in the body while you are working at your desk or at home.They discuss how the board supports musculoskeletal health, while also improving focus, creativity, and calm—reducing fatigue and the mental boredom and stagnation that comes from prolonged stillness. They also explore the role of play in the design, and how a serious problem—sedentary behavior—can be addressed in a way that is engaging, enjoyable, and even joyful.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00 – Lifespan, Healthspan… and Joyspan01:20 – Dynamic Collective Sponsors02:30 – Dr Kerry Burnight Explains Joyspan: The Science of Thriving As You Age09:40 – The Joyspan Matrix: Grow, Connect, Adapt, Give19:30 – Giving, Purpose & Becoming an Elder (Rethinking Aging)42:00 – Meet Movemate: A Dynamic Standing Board for Work and Play46:00 – How Movemate Works: Movement, Feeling & Physical Benefits49:15 – Cognitive & Emotional Effects of the Movemate Board54:00 – Play & Solving Sedentary Behavior With Enjoyable Movement Tools1:05:20 – Listener question: resolving amenorrhea, sponsored by Ikaria Design Books, Links and Resources:Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half – Dr Kerry Burnight About Dr Kerry Burnight (gerontologist, author of Joyspan) Dr Kerry Burnight on InstagramMovemate – Dynamic Active Standing Board for Work & Play Movemate on InstagramConnect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 10% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTMovemate: 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 DNA10My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAVenn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sittingIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Frailty isn’t just something that happens “later”; it’s a gradual loss of resilience that can begin much earlier than most people think. Katy Bowman and Dr. Jeannette Loram unpack what frailty and pre-frailty mean biologically. They explore the five key hallmarks used to identify frailty, including walking speed and grip strength, and how a large proportion of people in their 30s and 40s already fall on the spectrum of pre-frailty.The conversation also explores the muscle–gut connection, explaining how frailty is influenced by exercise, diet, and the health of your microbiome. Katy and Jeannette also discuss the potential for rapid-onset frailty linked to the use of GLP-1 medications.Most importantly, frailty can be reversed and this episode focuses on what you can do. From simple ways to improve resilience through movement, nutrition, and rest, to understanding how your attitude toward aging might influence your resilienceEnhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00 – Intro + Sponsors  01:30 – What Is Frailty (and Pre-Frailty)  03:00 – The 5 Hallmarks of Frailty  10:50 – How Pre-Frailty Can Start in Your 30s  12:40 – Muscle–Gut Connection & the Microbiome  19:40 – Exercise as “Fuel” for Your Microbiome  27:30 – Supplementation and the Psychology of Change  29:50 – GLP-1 Medication & Rapid-Onset Frailty  42:20 – Listener Question: Finding Glute Strength (Sponsored by Peluva)Resources and Books Mentioned:Joyspan by Kerry Burnight Frailty Sets In Far Earlier Than You’d Expect But You Can Reverse It, by David Cox in the New Scientist Frailty and pre-frailty in middle-aged and older adults and its association with multimorbidity and mortality: a prospective analysis of 493 737 biobank participants by Hanlon et al 2018Evidence For The Contribution Of Gut Microbiota To Age-Related Anabolic Resistance by Watson et al 2021Semaglutide Therapy and Accelerated Sarcopenia in Older Adults With Type-2 Diabetes: A 24-Month Retrospective Cohort Study by Ren et al 2025Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNAIkaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sittingPeluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 10% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTSmart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

Inspired by a moving letter from a parent of an adult son with autism, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram explore the relationship between movement, health, and quality of life for people with disabilities.They are joined by Kristina Montgomery, a special education teacher at a school for children and young adults affected by autism, and a behavior analyst working with Essential for Living, a curriculum designed for those with learning difficulties. Through her work, Kristina teaches an event-based approach to learning—one that moves away from abstract, isolated skills and instead “stacks” goals within meaningful, naturally occurring events. This approach supports not only skill development, but also health, social inclusion, and caregiver sustainability.Together, they discuss the importance of choosing activities that are meaningful to the learner both in the moment and for future independence, and the shift from instructing a task to modeling it alongside the student. Kristina also shares how powerful movement stacking has been in her work, improving both the happiness and wellbeing of the people she supports.This episode is a powerful reminder that movement truly is for every body, and that by embedding it into daily life, caregiving, parenting, and teaching can become more sustainable, and joyful for everyone involved.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00 – A Letter from a Parent of an Autistic Son04:50 – Movement & Disability: Movement is for Every Body07:57 – Podcast Sponsors09:44 – Introduction to Kristina Montgomery14:00 – Essential for Living: Life Skills Curriculum15:58 – What Are Functional Life Skills?19:45 – Movement, Health, and Wellness in Special Education23:05 – What and Why is Movement Stacking?37:00 – Designing Environments to Promote Movement and Education44:12 – Event-Based Teaching Course53:46 – Listener Question: Balance Training with a Sore KneeResources, Books and Courses  Mentioned:Kristina Montgomery Learn more about Kristina and her work in special education and behavior analysis.Event-Based Learning Course (Essential for Living) A practical course on designing special education goals using event-based learning and movement stacking. Includes 20% discount for listeners.Essential for Living: Introduction Course An overview of the Essential for Living curriculum and its core principles. Includes 20% discount for listeners.Grow Wild Book Club – Katy Bowman A free book club for therapists and parents of neurodivergent children.Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 10% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTThoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026 

We dive into the often-overlooked topic of amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation. Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram unpack the science with a focus on Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) linked to energy deficiency in athletes. They explore how intense training and and sport pressures around leanness or weight can disrupt regular hormonal signals, affecting long-term bone density, cardiovascular health, and performance. They also discuss the original concept of the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density) and its evolution into RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a more holistic model encompassing many aspects of health and wellbeing.The conversation expands into evolutionary perspectives, comparing Western menstrual experiences—from menarche to menopause—with those of hunter-gatherer populations like the Hadza, and questioning what “normal” really means. Ultimately, this episode reframes intense athletics as a nuanced practice that must be supported by adequate nutrition and recovery.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00 – Intro & Sponsors02:45 – What Is Amenorrhea?05:40 – Primary vs Secondary Amenorrhea09:00 – Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA): Energy deficiency and hormonal suppression11:10 – Female Athlete Triad → RED-S: Evolution of understanding in sports science21:30 – The Hadza perspective: menarche to menopause25:25 – Negative consequences of amenorrhea: Bone Health  29:15 – IUD induced amenorrhea 37:00 – Historical and modern timelines for menarche compared to the Hadza 50:45 – Closing thoughts on ancient humans Links & Research Mentioned:Substack article that prompted this episode Dr Jen Gunter’s article on the hormonal IUD and bone health Foraging & Menstruation in the Hadza of Tanzania Comparison between The Female Athlete Triad & RED-SConnect, Move & Learn:Join 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.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 10% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTMovemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits  October Retreats 2026