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:

Jenni’s email newsletter

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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