In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel Beversdorf talks with strength coach James Lederach, MS, CSCS, about the deeper side of coaching and how helping someone get stronger often means helping them grow as a person. Together, they explore the benefits of strength development for adults and kids, training that supports rather than interferes with sport, the downsides of early sport specialization in youth, and the broader life lessons that strength training offers beyond physical health and performance.

James and Laurel reflect on how training develops resilience, self-reliance, and emotional steadiness for both kids and adults. They discuss how good coaching balances structure with empathy, how strength training teaches self-trust, and why the most meaningful outcomes of training have less to do with performance and more to do with who we become through the process.

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Bell, 2018; PMID: 30135085

DiFiori, 2014; PMID: 24463910

Post, 2017; PMID: 28288281

Post, 2016; PMID: 27807260

VISIT James Lederach's Gym Heavy Athletics

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In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court examine the enduring myths and misinformation around the aesthetic goal of “getting abs.” They analyze the anatomy and function of the abdominal muscles, the cultural evolution of ab training versus core strength and stability training, and the role mechanical tension, muscle length, and training volume play in hypertrophy (muscle growth). Additionally, they discuss how pursuing the aesthetic goal of "getting abs" is different from performance goals related to abdominal strength.

The hosts unpack popular misconceptions, such as “abs are made in the kitchen,” or that body composition changes work differently for women than men, or that core stability means never moving your spine. They contrast these myths with what current research on energy balance and hypertrophy training show. They also trace how Pilates, physical therapy, and social media helped shape the modern core strength and stability narrative—one that, in some circles, shifted from building strength through movement to “protecting” the lumbar spine by avoiding it.

Additionally, this episode aims to clarify all of the factors that influence the appearance of the abdominal region, and how gendered, moralized, and shame-based messaging about the midsection continues to distort public understanding of exercise and body image.

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Clip: Mel Robbing Podcast interview with Stacy Sims about abs

67: Popular Explanations for SI Joint Pain are Wrong, Says Science

78: Behemoth Knee Myths

20: Pelvic Floor In-Depth with Stephanie Prendergast, MPT

54: Alignment Dogma - Spine

58: Alignment Dogma - Shoulders

48: Alignment Dogma - Pelvis

80: Posture Panic Pt. 3 with Author Dr. Beth Linker, PhD

50: Bracing versus Breathing

Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, by Beth Linker

GHD Sit-Up

Hodges, 2001; PMID: 11181617

Kalantari, 2024; PMID: 38565979

Brown, 2011; PMID: 21325932

Cholewicki, 1999; PMID: 10521659

In this episode of the Movement Logic podcast, hosts Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court PT dive deep into their six-month online barbell lifting course, 'Lift for Longevity.' They discuss the course structure, including linear periodization, high variation, and impact training. Laurel and Sarah also share insights on the benefits of barbell training for women, challenging societal norms about women's fitness, and emphasizing the importance of strength and self-efficacy. They underscore the transformative power of consistent strength training and offer practical advice for those considering joining their course.

Sign up for the live Q&A on Wednesday October 22nd here (or get the replay)

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References:

Episode 112 Redefining what’s possible: Lift for Longevity Alums Share their Stories