Movement Logic: Strong Opinions, Loosely Held

Dr. Sarah Court, PT, DPT and Laurel Beversdorf
  • 4.7 (130)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Biweekly

For too long, women have been handed pink dumbbells, questionable fitness advice, and a whole lot of misinformation about what their bodies can and can't do. The Movement Logic Podcast is here to change that. Join physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court and strength and conditioning coach Laurel Beversdorf as they dig into the science of strength training, exercise, and women's health needs—with evidence, critical thinking, and a keen eye for where the evidence ends and the marketing begins. From building muscle and stronger bones to navigating menopause, aging, injury, and the latest fitness trends, we break down what the research actually says, challenge outdated exercise myths, and call out the nonsense that gets passed off as science. Whether you're a woman who wants to get stronger, a fitness or movement professional, or too confused to know where to start, we make sense of the science so you feel more confident in your choices (and know which new trend you shouldn't bother with!). Strong ideas, loosely held. Because good science means being willing to change your mind.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    142: Make It Make Sense—More of What the Diary of a CEO Panel Gets Wrong, Pt. 2

    A story about one Olympic hopeful can make the pill sound risky for every teen athlete. In Part 2 of our Make It Make Sense series on the Diary of a CEO women’s health roundtable, we compare Mary Claire Haver’s story about her niece and Vonda Wright’s warnings about girls’ bones with what the research actually says. We examine what lower testosterone can and can’t tell us about athletic performance, why bone health concerns depend on the contraceptive method, and where Natalie Crawford’s warnings about hormonal IUDs go wrong. Drawing on our interview with Dr. Kemi Doll and commentary from Dr. Jen Gunter, we explain why a period suppressed by medication is different from one that stops unexpectedly, and unpack the claim that the placebo week gives your brain a “break.” We also ask what gets left out when the conversation focuses on what might go wrong if someone takes birth control. A compelling anecdote can make an uncertain risk feel inevitable, while the costs of leaving pain or heavy bleeding untreated—or going without contraception—barely enter the discussion. Free Barbell Mini Course—SIGN UPFOLLOW @themovementlogic on InstagramVisit our WEBSITE 00:00 Introduction and Part 1 recap02:24 Mary Claire Haver on the pill and teen athletic performance18:09 Vonda Wright’s warnings about girls’ bone health36:31 Natalie Crawford’s claims about hormonal IUDs and estrogen48:34 Dr. Jen Gunter on hormonal IUDs and fertility55:11 Is having a period proof of good health?1:03:39 The seven-day pill break and the “brain break” claim1:10:46 Who benefits from birth control misinformation? RESOURCES Movement Logic Episode 141: Part 1 of our Diary of a CEO roundtable review Movement Logic Interview: Birth Control, Hormones, and Menopause with Dr. Kemi Doll The Diary of a CEO women’s health roundtable Dr. Jen Gunter’s article: Can the Pill Cause Depression for Teens? Elliott-Sale et al. (2020), systematic review: Oral contraceptives and exercise performance in women Nolan et al. (2024), systematic review: Oral contraceptives and gains in muscle size, strength, and power after resistance training Dr. Jen Gunter’s Reel responding to Natalie Crawford’s claims about hormonal IUDs  Dr. Natalie Crawford’s Reel on hormonal IUDs and fertility, discussed in Dr. Jen Gunter’s response

    142: Make It Make Sense—More of What the Diary of a CEO Panel Gets Wrong, Pt. 2

  2. Oct 28 ·  Video

    141: Make Haver, Wright, Sims & Crawford's Birth Control Misinformation on Diary of a CEO Make Sense

    Does Diary of a CEO’s discussion of hormonal birth control help women make informed choices—or give them more reasons to fear effective medications? We examine Steven Bartlett’s roundtable with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Natalie Crawford, Dr. Vonda Wright, and Dr. Stacy Sims, comparing the panel’s claims with research and expert guidance. We unpack claims about ovulation, menstruation, cycle tracking, and the supposed need for a monthly pill break, explaining why medically suppressing menstruation differs from losing your period because of an underlying health problem. We also examine birth control described as a “crutch,” symptom relief dismissed because it isn’t a cure, and cold exposure proposed for endometriosis based on pilot data. Drawing on our interview with Dr. Kemi Doll and writing from Dr. Jen Gunter, we examine how alarming anecdotes, “natural” versus “synthetic” hormones, and benefits followed by a big BUT shape the message. We ask who benefits when legitimate failures in women’s healthcare become opportunities to build distrust, sell alternatives, and undermine informed reproductive choices. WATCH on YouTube Free Barbell Mini Course—SIGN UP FOLLOW @themovementlogic on Instagram Visit our WEBSITE www.themovementlogic.com RESOURCES The Diary of a CEO roundtable: Hormone & Fertility Experts: We’ve Been Lied To About Women’s Health! If This Happens, Call A Doctor Our interview with Dr. Kemi Doll: Birth Control, Hormones, and Menopause: When Medicine Fails and Wellness Cashes In The Vajenda by Dr. Jen Gunter Movement Logic ep 113: Debunking Menopause Grifters: Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Vonda Wright Movement Logic ep 111: Make Stacy Sims Make Sense Article: Study Suggests Increase in Deaths During or Within One Year of Pregnancy in States that Imposed Abortion Bans 2020 paper by Naj-mabadi et al Catholic church story - “The 7-day contraceptive hormone-free interval should be consigned to history” from 2018

    141: Make Haver, Wright, Sims & Crawford's Birth Control Misinformation on Diary of a CEO Make Sense

  3. Oct 14 ·  Video

    140: Birth Control, Hormones, and Menopause: When Medicine Fails and Wellness Cashes In with Dr. Kemi Doll, MD

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kemi Doll, a double board-certified OB-GYN and gynecologic oncologist, about endometriosis, fibroids, uterine cancer, PMOS, and hormonal birth control. We examine how wellness influencers exploit real experiences of medical dismissal to promote fear, undermine trust in established treatments, and sell alternatives. We discuss what hormonal contraception offers beyond preventing pregnancy, why suppressing ovulation or menstruation isn’t automatically harmful, and how language like “hormone balancing” and “treating the root cause” can misrepresent effective medical care. Dr. Doll also explains the recent renaming of PCOS to PMOS and raises concerns about estrogen regimens that extend beyond what has been adequately studied. Drawing on her book, A Terrible Strength, Dr. Doll explains how women’s suffering, especially Black women’s suffering, becomes normalized and undertreated, and how gaps in research and diagnostic practices contribute to delayed care. She makes the case for better medical communication, meaningful informed choice, and taking women’s symptoms seriously without turning their health into a wellness trend. Free Barbell Mini Course—SIGN UP FOLLOW @themovementlogic on Instagram RESOURCES Dr. Kemi’s website |  Instagram | LinkedIn Dr. Kemi’s Book A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb and Your Survival Guide to Healing by Dr. Kemi Doll. The GRACE Center ACOG patient resources for gynecologic health information. ECANA for uterine cancer and abnormal bleeding information. UpToDate patient education for more detailed explanations of conditions, treatments, and evidence. The Menopause Society Dr. Kemi Doll’s Instagram Reel challenging birth control misinformation Dr. Jen Gunter’s conversation with Dr. Kemi Doll

    140: Birth Control, Hormones, and Menopause: When Medicine Fails and Wellness Cashes In with Dr. Kemi Doll, MD

  4. Sep 30 ·  Video

    139: AlgaeCal's Calcium Claims: Science or Salesmanship?

    In this episode, Sarah Court and Laurel Beversdorf investigate the bone supplement company AlgaeCal and ask whether its marketing claims are supported by good evidence. They unpack the company's promotion of algae-derived calcium, its use of strontium supplements to claim increases in bone density, and why improvements on a DEXA scan don't necessarily mean stronger bones. Along the way, they explain how appeals to nature, authority, and fear are used to sell expensive supplements to women worried about osteoporosis. The conversation also examines the growing "doctor-to-brand pipeline," using Dr. Vonda Wright as a case study in how medical authority can become intertwined with supplement marketing. Sarah and Laurel discuss why they declined an invitation to collaborate with AlgaeCal, why exercise remains the cornerstone of bone health, and how consumers can recognize misleading health claims before spending hundreds of dollars on products that may not deliver meaningful benefits. FREE Barbell Mini Course when you get on our mailing list FOLLOW Movement Logic on Instagram WATCH Movement Logic on YouTube LEARN MORE on the Movement Logic website Foldable Home Barbell Rack by Verse, coupon code MovementLogic10%OFF at checkout RESOURCES 92: Make Dr. Loren Fishman Make Sense 91: LIFTMOR, Not Less: An Interview with Belinda Beck 93: Should You Avoid Spinal Flexion with Osteoporosis? 113: Debunking Menopause Grifters: Mary Claire Haver and Vonda Wright Doctor vs Brand Instagram Post

    139: AlgaeCal's Calcium Claims: Science or Salesmanship?

  5. Sep 16 ·  Video

    138: Lift for Longevity: The DEXA Results

    SIGN UP Lift for Longevity. Enrollment closes Sunday, September 20th. Classes begin September 28th.In this episode, we talk with Lift for Longevity participant Julie Wright about beginning strength training in her mid-sixties after an osteoporosis diagnosis. Julie had never touched a barbell before joining the course. After completing Lift for Longevity three times, she has progressed from deadlifting 28 pounds to 100 pounds for reps, increased her bench press from 20 to 53 pounds, built visible muscle, returned to jumping in ballet, and become more hopeful about aging, traveling, and continuing to dance. We also examine Julie’s follow-up DEXA, which initially appeared to show a dramatic improvement from osteoporosis to osteopenia at nearly every measured site. We explain why scans performed at different facilities can’t provide a clean comparison and how raw bone-mineral-density values, machine calibration, arthritis, and strontium complicated the results. Julie’s story shows why DEXA matters—but also why strength, muscle, power, confidence, and the ability to keep doing what you love might matter more. SIGN UP Lift for Longevity. Enrollment closes Sunday, September 20th. Classes begin September 28th. FOLLOW @TheMovementLogic on Instagram RESOURCES Lift for Longevity Julie's website Listen to Dr. Lora Giangregorio on the Movement Logic Podcast

    138: Lift for Longevity: The DEXA Results

  6. Sep 2 ·  Video

    137: A Lifting Evolution: From Chair Pose to Barbell Back Squats

    In this episode, we look back at how our thinking about exercise has changed over the years, from our beginnings in yoga and physical therapy to strength training, bone density, power, fall prevention, and longevity. We talk about the ideas we stopped believing, the evidence that changed our minds, why “lift heavy shit” was an important corrective but ultimately an incomplete message, and how all of this has shaped the newest version of Lift for Longevity. We also get into what we’ve learned from teaching the course four times, why we’re removing exercises that create unnecessary friction, why AMRAPs are becoming a much bigger part of the program, and how we’re incorporating more power, balance challenges, and structured impact training. SIGN UP Free Strength Class on September 8th with replay! FOLLOW @TheMovementLogic on Instagram FOLDABLE HOME BARBELL RACK by Verse, use coupon code MovementLogic10%OFF at checkout RESOURCES 107: Does It Have To Be Heavy? 49: You Don’t Know How Strong You Are, Says Research 36: Somatic Dominance Loren Fishman et al.: Twelve-Minute Daily Yoga Regimen Reverses Osteoporotic Bone Loss paper LIFTMOR Trial Kistler-Fischbacher Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis 91: LIFTMOR, Not Less: An Interview with Professor Belinda Beck Dr. Lora Giangregorio on the Movement Logic Podcast Dr. Stuart Phillips on the Movement Logic Podcast Stu Phillips post Korpelainen paper

    137: A Lifting Evolution: From Chair Pose to Barbell Back Squats

  7. Aug 19 ·  Video

    136: Beyond "Just Lift Heavy": The Science behind Osteoporosis, Falls & Fracture Prevention with Dr. Lora Giangregorio, PhD

    In this episode, we talk with bone health researcher Dr. Lora Giangregorio about what the evidence really says about resistance training, impact exercise, menopause, fracture prevention, balance, and falls. We also get into claims from OsteoStrong, why not all published research deserves equal weight, and why confident claims about the “best” way to build bone often outrun the evidence. We discuss why bone loss around menopause can’t simply be blamed on inactivity, what we do and don’t know about heavy versus moderate versus light resistance training, why strength and impact are so difficult to separate in bone research, and why improving bone density is only one part of reducing fracture risk. Dr. Giangregorio also explains why getting better at standing on one leg isn’t necessarily the same thing as becoming less likely to fall, why yoga wouldn’t be her first choice for fall prevention, how to progress impact training without jumping straight into high-force exercises, and why real-world exercise programs need to adapt to the person rather than force everyone into the same supposedly “optimal” program. SIGN UP Free Strength Class on September 8th with replay! FOLLOW @TheMovementLogic on Instagram FOLDABLE HOME BARBELL RACK by Verse, use coupon code MovementLogic10%OFF at checkout RESOURCES Dr. Lora Giangregorio’s website and Instagram  Bones Lab YouTube channel Her approach to starting and progressing impact training Her summary of different aspects of balance Blog post on impact training

    136: Beyond "Just Lift Heavy": The Science behind Osteoporosis, Falls & Fracture Prevention with Dr. Lora Giangregorio, PhD

  8. Aug 5 ·  Video

    135: Make Louisa Nicola Make Sense, Part 2

    In part two of their deep dive into Louisa Nicola's claims about Alzheimer's prevention, Sarah and Laurel continue examining the scientific evidence behind some of her most widely shared social media posts, podcast appearances, and paid programs. Building on the foundation laid in part one, they fact-check claims about menopause, hormone therapy, Zone 5 training, heavy resistance training, creatine, and other interventions that Nicola presents as essential for protecting the brain. Throughout the episode, they compare her messaging with the available research, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and major clinical guidelines, highlighting where mechanistic theories are presented as established clinical facts and where evidence is overstated or misrepresented. The conversation then shifts from individual scientific claims to the broader marketing strategy behind Nicola's business. Sarah and Laurel analyze her paid products, including Brain Code and the $5,000 Decode Panel, discussing how fear-based messaging, appeals to authority, and selective use of research can drive consumers toward expensive products and testing. They contrast these approaches with the evidence-based recommendations from organizations like The Lancet Commission and the Alzheimer's Association, emphasizing that meaningful risk reduction is built on well-established lifestyle factors rather than highly specific protocols or premium wellness services. They close by discussing why influencers like Nicola resonate with audiences, where they see similar patterns among other health personalities, and why careful interpretation of evidence matters when communicating about diseases as frightening as Alzheimer's. SIGN UP FOR THE INTEREST LIST for Lift for Longevity FREE Barbell Mini Course when you get on our mailing list FOLLOW Movement Logic on Instagram WATCH Movement Logic on YouTube LEARN MORE on the Movement Logic website Foldable Home Barbell Rack by Verse, coupon code MovementLogic10%OFF at checkout RESOURCES 134 Make Louisa Nicola Make Sense, Part 1 113 Debunking Menopause Grifters Mary Claire Haver and Vonda Wright 92 Make Dr. Loren Fishman Make Sense Alzheimer's Association 2025 factsheet The Lancet Commission Mosconi et al. (2021) Correction: In this episode, Laurel cites a study erroneously as being from the Lancet. It's not from the Lancet, it's the Generation 100 study. PMID: 34878637 Resistance training and brain aging study  Creatine Monohydrate Pilot in Alzheimer's The Menopause Society  Pauline Maki  Diary of a CEO episode with Louisa Nicola

    135: Make Louisa Nicola Make Sense, Part 2
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4.7
out of 5
130 Ratings

About

For too long, women have been handed pink dumbbells, questionable fitness advice, and a whole lot of misinformation about what their bodies can and can't do. The Movement Logic Podcast is here to change that. Join physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court and strength and conditioning coach Laurel Beversdorf as they dig into the science of strength training, exercise, and women's health needs—with evidence, critical thinking, and a keen eye for where the evidence ends and the marketing begins. From building muscle and stronger bones to navigating menopause, aging, injury, and the latest fitness trends, we break down what the research actually says, challenge outdated exercise myths, and call out the nonsense that gets passed off as science. Whether you're a woman who wants to get stronger, a fitness or movement professional, or too confused to know where to start, we make sense of the science so you feel more confident in your choices (and know which new trend you shouldn't bother with!). Strong ideas, loosely held. Because good science means being willing to change your mind.

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