102: The Problem with Moralizing Movement

In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Laurel explores how we’ve come to assign moral value to certain movement concepts—like compression, flexion, anterior tilt, and instability—and why that language does more harm than good. She unpacks how terms that are neutral by definition often get rebranded as “bad,” “dangerous,” or “dysfunctional” in movement and rehab spaces.Rather than offering a list of “better” movement cues, Laurel invites listeners to step outside of binary thinking. This episode explores how our wiring, combined with marketing and group identity, fuels a polarizing narrative—a red-X/green-checkmark mentality that pits “functional” against “dysfunctional.”Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or curious mover, this episode offers a reminder: biomechanical concepts are just descriptions of what’s happening—not value-laden truths. And when we let go of moralizing movement, we open the door to more creativity, exploration, and individualized problem-solving.Sign up for our Bone Density Mini Course: Barbell 101!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorialsResources:The Truth About Good vs Bad Muscles - Results Not Typical Podcast98: Capacities for Longevity Part 3 - Cardio94: Capacities for Longevity Part 2 - Power90: Capacities for Longevity Part 1 - Strength89: Is Dead Butt Syndrome Real?80: Posture Panic Pt. 3 with Author Dr. Beth Linker, PhD79: Make Yoga U Make Sense78: Behemoth Knee Myths76: Posture Panic Part 274: McGill We Go Again73: Posture Panic Pt. 167: Popular Explanations for SI Joint Pain are Wrong, Says Science66: Dismantling Long and Lean Pt. 363: Dismantling Long and Lean Part 262: Make McGill Make Sense58: Alignment Dogma - Shoulders54: Alignment Dogma - Spine48: Alignment Dogma - Pelvis19: Oh, NO! Nose Breathing and Nitric OxideReview: Effect of training and lifting equipment for preventing back pain in lifting and handling: systematic reviewReview: Stoop or squat: a review of biomechanical studies on lifting technique