Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the phenomenon of “magic muscles”: the tendency in the yoga, fitness, and rehab worlds to treat some muscles as more important or more special than other muscles. Points of discussion include: What is a magic muscle?Muscle-based approaches in strength training & bodybuildingTeaching yoga with a  “teach movement, not muscles” approachWhat research suggests about these specific magic muscles:Quadratus Lumborum (QL)Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO)Transverse Abdominis (TvA)PsoasGlutesPiriformisWhat do all magic muscles have in common?Is the practice of labelling certain muscles as “stabilizers” and others as “movers” somewhat outdated?The trend in evidence-based rehab to use non-specific vs. specific diagnoses for persistent pain conditionsWhat are “corrective exercises”, and are they evidence-based?How well does yoga, specifically, help with low back pain?…And much more!Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks! Become a supporter of the Yoga Meets Movement Science podcast! Starting at $3/month. 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 Take Jenni’s course: “When to Be Anatomically Specific in Yoga” for free! Podcast episodes referenced in this episode (in order of appearance on the show): Ep 35: Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing: Does it Matter:Ep 6: Is Ashtanga Yoga a Cult? And the Value of StrengthEp 4: The Truth About Core TrainingEp 9: Do We Store Emotions in Our Hips?Ep 13: The Glutes: Peachy Keen or Not All They Seem?Ep 18: Pigeon Pose: Friend or Foe?Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni Strength for Yoga email newsletter To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella. **Become a supporter of the Yoga Meets Movement Science podcast – starting at $3/month!