Rethinking Biomechanics Podcast

In this episode of Let Me Introduce You, Adarian and Jen dive into the differences between open and closed environments and how they impact athletic training and performance.

A closed environment is predictable and controlled—think of a gym setting, where conditions remain constant. There's no unexpected wind, rain, or an opponent coming at you. In contrast, an open environment introduces unpredictability—external factors like moving opponents, variable surfaces, and changing conditions that athletes must constantly adapt to.

The discussion highlights a critical flaw in many training programs: preparing for open-environment sports using closed-environment methods. While controlled settings allow for skill development, they fail to replicate the unpredictable nature of real competition. No amount of sterile drills or simulated exercises can fully prepare an athlete for what happens in a live game. The best way to get better in an open environment? Experience it.

Other key takeaways:✅ Practicing in a controlled environment doesn’t translate to real-game unpredictability.✅ Many athletes unknowingly train compensations rather than functional movement.✅ The best performers spend the bulk of their time in open environments, not just refining skills but also adapting to real-world conditions.

The conversation also touches on common training misconceptions, the limitations of closed-environment simulations, and why experience is the best teacher when it comes to handling unexpected challenges in sports.

Upcoming Events & News

📍 Seattle Workshop – June 6th – Mark your calendars!📖 The Book is Coming! – Stay tuned for updates on our latest project.

🔊 Catch the full episode for more insights on training smarter, not just harder.

In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Let Me Introduce You podcast, Jenn and Adarian dive into one of the most widely discussed—and misunderstood—topics in running: pushing the foot into the ground. From internet headlines promoting calf raises and jumping drills to the pervasive use of force plates and the force-velocity curve, they break down what’s accurate, what’s not, and why so many coaching cues miss the mark.

Adarian reveals the critical role of joints, levers, and rotation in movement, while Jen highlights practical applications for athletes of all levels. They explore why focusing on "pushing harder into the ground" can be counterproductive and instead discuss how proper understanding of joint mechanics can improve efficiency and speed. Whether you're a coach, runner, or movement enthusiast, this episode will challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable insights into training smarter—not harder.

Plus, they preview their upcoming event in Las Vegas, with the promise of new ideas, fresh perspectives, and maybe even a podcast roundtable. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode!

In this episode, hosts Jen and Adarian explore the concept of "dysfunctional coaching" as they close out 2024. They define dysfunctional coaching as focusing on perceived flaws or "dysfunctions" rather than coaching the individual and their unique movement patterns. The discussion highlights how some coaches prioritize aesthetics or arbitrary standards over actual performance, often labeling natural variations in movement as dysfunctions that require fixing.

Key topics include:

* The distinction between actual dysfunction (e.g., an injury) and perceived dysfunction (e.g., a foot turning out during movement).

* Examples of athletes excelling despite having unconventional techniques or movement patterns, such as world record holders with non-traditional running styles.

* The pitfalls of coaching based on visual appearance rather than understanding the mechanics of movement and performance.

* Contrasting the approach in Paralympic coaching, where the individual is coached as they are, with other sports where athletes are expected to conform to arbitrary norms.

* The impact of assessments and tests, such as the overhead squat or sit-and-reach test, which often create unnecessary labels of dysfunction without improving performance.

Jen and Adarian also reflect on their personal learning experiences, such as quad isometric exercises and asymmetrical single-arm hanging techniques, emphasizing the value of exploring movement without fear of judgment. They conclude by looking ahead to exciting events in 2025, including live courses, conferences in Las Vegas and Seattle, and the anticipated release of their book.

Listeners are encouraged to prioritize coaching individuals over rigid norms, understand the nuances of movement, and embrace exploration and curiosity in athletic development.

In Season 2, Episode 2 of Let Me Introduce You, Jen and Adarian dive into the concept of asymmetry in movement and biomechanics. They explore the functional differences between the body’s two sides, emphasizing how these variations work together to enhance movement and survival. From defining asymmetry and addressing common misconceptions, to discussing practical applications in sports like sprinting and hurdling, this episode highlights why our natural asymmetry is essential, not a flaw to be fixed. Jen and Adarian also share insights from their recent webinar and preview upcoming events in Las Vegas, Seattle, and The Hague.

Papers referenced:

Handedness in Animals and Plants

Kinematic and muscle force asymmetry in healthy runners: How do different methods measure up?

Asymmetry in sprinting: An insight into sub-10 and sub-11 s men and women sprinters

Internal and External Oblique Muscle Asymmetry in Sprint Hurdlers and Sprinters: A Cross-Sectional Study

Welcome back to Let Me Introduce You! After a well-deserved break, Jen and Adarian are back with Season 2, diving right into a fascinating topic: Q Angles. Picking up where Season 1 left off, this episode revisits the concept of Q Angles—the angles formed between the quadriceps and patella tendon—and explores their impact on balance, stability, and movement.

The hosts discuss:

* Misconceptions about Q Angles and why they’re not a weak point.

* How Q Angles influence the ankle, knee, and overall biomechanics.

* Practical insights for athletes, dancers, and everyday movement.

* The role of complete circles and spirals in enhancing stability and performance.

Plus, Jen and Adarian share what they’ve learned this week (hint: it involves humming and sensation) and tease upcoming events, including clinics in Las Vegas, Seattle, and The Hague.

This is an episode packed with knowledge, fun insights, and a perfect re-entry into the world of movement mechanics. Don’t miss it!

📧 Questions or comments? Reach out via email or reply to the podcast.

Tune in and let's get moving! 💪✨Learn more about the upcoming events at

https://www.rethinkingbiomechanics.com

Listen to the podcast at:

https://letmeintroduceyou.substack.com/podcast

Subscribe to the newsletter at:

Follow us on instagram at:

@biomechanics_movement_summit

In this episode, Adarian dispels myths about the feet, including:

* Toe spread versus toe splay

* Pushing the foot into the ground

* The big toe

* Pronation

Learn more about upcoming courses (online and in person) at

https://www.influencingbiomechanics.com

Listen to the podcast at:

https://letmeintroduceyou.substack.com/podcast

Subscribe to the newsletter at:

Follow us on instagram at:

@influencing_biomechanics

In this episode, Jenn and Adarian discuss how you can use understanding up arm, down arm to improve performance and make a number of activities easier. They cover running, chopping wood, throwing, and rope climbing. They also give a brief overview of upper arm anatomy and function.

In this episode, Jenn and Adarian discuss the pelvis and its role in performance, including structural differences between males and females and what that might mean for set up and athletic performance.

In this episode, Jenn and Adarian discuss the pelvis and its role in performance, including structural differences between males and females and what that might mean for set up and athletic performance.

In this episode, Jenn and Adarian discuss claims that toe strength improves performance. They review two recent papers and cover methodology and why it doesn't necessarily transfer to how you run or jump.