Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of asymmetry in yoga, rehab, and fitness contexts.
Points of discussion include:
- The nature of the major asymmetry that exists in Travis’ own body
- Asymmetries with regard to body alignment
- What is a leg length discrepancy?
- How is a leg length discrepancy measured? How is it treated?
- Are common treatments for leg length discrepancies and other minor body asymmetries evidence-based?
- Can “correcting” body asymmetries have unexpected negative consequences?
- Do we always need to do the same thing on both sides in our yoga sequences?
- Do side-to-side asymmetries increase one’s risk on injury in athletic activities?
- Do side-to-side asymmetries impair one’s performance in athletic activities?
- Is there an ideal “push pull ratio” for upper body pushing vs. pulling exercises?
- Does the upper body pushing/pulling imbalance in yoga predispose yogis to injury and pain?
- Travis’ experience attending yoga classes in a body that was born missing half of one leg
- …And much more!
Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis
Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni
Strength for Yoga email newsletter
Article: Anatomic and Functional Leg-Length Inequality: A Review and Recommendation for Clinical Decision-Making (Knutson 2005)
Article: Does Lower-Limb Asymmetry Increase Injury Risk in Sport? A Systematic Review (Helme et al. 2021)
Article: The Relationship Between Asymmetry and Athletic Performance: A Critical Review (Maloney 2019)
To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram
Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.
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