Exercise and Strong Skin: Are Calluses a Problem or Essential for Strength?

Katy Bowman and Jeannette Loram explore skin strength, focusing on what a callus is, how calluses form on the hands and feet, and how it affects circulation. They also discuss the pros and cons of calluses, comparing them to a weight belt for your skin—reinforcing, protecting, and ultimately enabling your body to do more.

They share personal stories—from rowing and kayaking to gardening—highlighting how it's often skin, not muscles, that limits activity. Katy also chats with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, about designing home spaces that promote hanging, build skin strength, and support kids’ physical and cognitive development. They cover equipment ideas, dynamic home design tips, and draw inspiration from Ninja Warrior athletes.

Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript

CHAPTERS 

00:04:30 - The Dynamic Collective 

00:08:20 - What is a Callus? And the Listener Question on calluses & circulation brought to you by Sweet Skins 

00:22:30 - Updated insights about the Callus, skin strength and its relationship to whole-body movement  

00:35:25 - Skin Tissue and Thoughtful Progression

00:42:00 - Interview with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms

BOOKS & RESEARCH PAPERS

Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman
Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief by Katy Bowman
Callus Formation by Kim et al (2010)
Blood Flow In The Skin in relation to temperature and pressure by J Petrofsky (2012)
Foot Callus and Tactile Sensitivity by Holowka et al (2019) - Daniel Lieberman group

CONNECT, MOVE & LEARN

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MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:

Peluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for walking and higher impact activities. Take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT
Venn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office
Smart Playrooms, design and products to keep you and your kids engaged and active at home, take 10% off monkey bars, rock wall panels and holds with code DNA10
Earth Runners, minimalist sandals that mimic being truly barefoot through their grounding technology, take 10% off with code DNA10
Sweet Skins, organic hemp and cotton clothing that is stylish, flexible and designed to move with you, take 20% off with code Movement20
Ikaria Design, creators of the Soul Seat®, a height adjustable chair that allows you to sit in diverse shapes including cross-legged, take 10% of new inventory with code DNA10

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