Ep 179: Is The Concept of Exercise Helpful or Harmful?

Inspired by a listener's letter, biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram talk about exercise and sport and how these relate to natural movement. They discuss how Katy’s message has sometimes been reduced to exercise is ‘bad’ and natural movement is ‘better’.

Katy explains that this has never been her position; rather her aim has been to challenge the assumption that the only way to move our bodies is through exercise. Her work has been to expand our framework of human movement and provide a broader understanding of the shapes and volumes of movement required for human health.

Katy and Jeannette also address issues raised in the listener's letter about gym culture and sports, noting that many of the negatives are perceived rather than actual or are to do with commercialization. They discuss the ubiquity of team sports across human cultures and the many positives that sport can provide, including natural movements—like throwing and catching—that are hard to get elsewhere in life.

Also in this episode Katy interviews Anna Yona, co-founder of the barefoot shoe company Wildling. Anna shares the origin story of Wildling and their expansion from children’s shoes into the adult market. Katy and Anna talk about favourite customer stories, teenage shoe choices and Wildling’s most recent venture—a rain boot—filling a much needed niche in the minimal shoe market.

Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript

Chapters:

00:04:20 - The Dynamic Collective

00:05:30 - Exercise Versus Natural Movement

00:09:00 - Definitions

00:24:00 - Gym Culture

00:31:00 - Exercise is bad?

00:36:25 - Sport Culture

00:46:00 - Reader Question brought to you by Correct Toes

00:55:40 - Conversation with Anna Yona of Wildling

Books Mentioned:

My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman
I Know I Should Exercise, But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman
Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Hunter-Gatherer Childhoods Edited by Barry Hewlett & Michael Lamb

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:

Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflow
Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office
Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities
Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materials
Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoes
Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home;

Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.com
Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits

October Retreats 2026