The truth about good vs bad muscles with Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court, DPT

In this epside, Nikki is joined by yoga teacher and strength coach Laurel Beversdorf and physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court, DPT to deconstruct the myths around “good” muscles, “bad” muscles, and the idea that getting out of pain requires activating your muscles in a specific order.

They cover:

Why the “good muscle vs. bad muscle” narrative isn't an accurate or helpful depiction of how our bodies actually work and how it can lead to unnecessary fear or overcorrection in movement.
The difference between muscle "timing" and motor control, and how these concepts show up in pain management, rehab, and strength training, especially when people assume certain muscles need to be "turned on" to fix dysfunction.
How strength training improves coordination and load tolerance across movement patterns, often more effectively than trying to isolate or “activate” specific muscles.
Why obsessing over alignment and activation can reinforce unhelpful perfectionism and interfere with developing actual strength, resilience, and confidence in your body.
How nervous system adaptations and context influence which muscles are recruited and why variability, not a specific kind of activiation or sensation, is a better goal.

Links Mentioned

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