In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, we take a hard look at one of our own core messages and ask: does it have to be heavy to build bone? We unpack a landmark systematic review and meta-analysis that compared more than 100 exercise interventions in postmenopausal women, looking at low, moderate, and high intensities across resistance training, impact, and combined programs.

We explain the big picture: resistance training works across intensities, moderate intensity often performs just as well as heavy, and impact-only isn’t the standalone solution it’s often made out to be. We also highlight how few truly high-intensity trials exist, why that matters, and what it means for interpreting the data.

Along the way, we reflect on why it’s important to update your message when new evidence emerges, and how this research shifts—not our programming, but our language—around lifting heavy. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what actually builds bone, what the science says (and doesn’t yet say), and why there’s more than one effective way to get stronger bones.

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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

09:37 New Research on Exercise Intensity and Bone-Building Exercise for Postmenopausal Women

37:08 About the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

52:20 Meta-Analysis Results Overview

54:16 Lumbar Spine Analysis

59:00 Femoral Neck Analysis

01:01:43 Total Hip Analysis

01:02:40 Key Takeaways and Summary

01:04:17 Meta-Regression Insights

01:09:47 Clinical vs. Statistical Significance

01:14:14 Discussion on Bias

01:17:26 Engaging with the Community and Expert Opinions

01:39:46 Debunking Myths About Women and Heavy Lifting

01:40:39 Addressing Misconceptions around Lifting Heavy

01:47:25 Cultural Shifts and Women in Strength Training

02:05:58 Practical Benefits of Heavy Lifting

02:11:44 Final Thoughts

REFERENCES:

LIFTMOR Trial and YouTube video

Kistler-Fischbacher Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

91: LIFTMOR, Not Less: An Interview with Professor Belinda Beck

Stu Phillips IG page and post

Korpelainen paper

100: The Hidden Cost of "Just Do Something" Fitness Advice

In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel unpacks what warm ups actually do—and why cool downs aren’t necessary. She explains how warming up sharpens focus, raises tissue temperature, and primes the nervous system, setting you up to perform better and reduce injury risk. Laurel shares five simple principles for effective warm ups, clears up myths about stretching and “activation,” and contrasts them with cool downs, which don’t aid recovery or prevent soreness.

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References:

Article - (Stronger by Science) Heavier warm-ups are best, new study suggests

Paper - Systematic Review with Meta Analysis on Cool Downs (Afonso, 2021)

Ep. 90 - Capacities for Longevity: Strength

In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Dr. Sarah Court explores the fascinating impact of the placebo effect on sports performance and rehabilitation. Dr. Court discusses recent studies, including a unique experiment involving a pink, calorie-free drink that boosted bench press performance among trained lifters. The episode delves into how beliefs and expectations can lead to measurable physiological changes, the historical context of the placebo effect, and its implications in physical therapy and exercise routines. Dr. Court also emphasizes the significance of positive mindsets in overcoming physical challenges and achieving fitness goals.

01:31 The Pink Drink Study: Exploring the Placebo Effect

02:36 Understanding the Placebo Effect

04:03 Historical Context and Research on Placebo

06:02 Detailed Analysis of the Pink Drink Study

10:19 Implications of the Placebo Effect in Exercise

12:08 Placebo Effect in Rehabilitation and Pain Science

14:49 Practical Takeaways for Enhancing Performance

16:49 Mindset and Belief in Physical Therapy

20:25 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

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References:

The placebo effect of a pink non-caloric, artificially sweetened solution on strength endurance performance and psychological responses in trained individuals

Mouth Rinsing With a Pink Non-caloric, Artificially-Sweetened Solution Improves Self-Paced Running Performance and Feelings of Pleasure in Habitually Active Individuals

The Placebo and Nocebo effect on sports performance: A systematic review

Placebo effects on kayak sprint performance in child athletes