The Science of Yoga: Muscle, Breath, and the Physics of Stillness episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 7, 2025 · 5 MIN

The Science of Yoga: Muscle, Breath, and the Physics of Stillness

from Intellectually Curious · host Mike Breault

A rigorous look at the science behind yoga: how asanas combine isotonic and especially isometric muscle work to build strength; how spinal mobility in yoga can relieve chronic low back pain, sometimes as effectively as physical therapy. We explore pranayama's effect on the autonomic nervous system, CO2 dynamics, and brain oxygen use, and why slow exhalations matter. We quantify yoga with METs, review evidence for conditions beyond back pain, critique study quality, debunk pseudoscience, and explain the physiology of savasana as a real relaxation response.Note:  This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes.  Please double-check any critical information.Sponsored by Embersilk LLC

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 7, 2025

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The Science of Yoga: Muscle, Breath, and the Physics of Stillness

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