Anthropology is the study of humans, encompassing our origins, physical and cultural development, and how we have adapted over time. I was drawn to this field to better understand how our bodies have (and have not) kept pace with cultural change.

Our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, passing down knowledge through active lifestyles. Modern life, which has changed rapidly over the past 200 years, hasn’t allowed for sufficient adaptation, leading to sedentary habits that cause movement issues and muscle strain.

This is where biomechanics comes in—the study of human movement and its interaction with the environment.

Two Sides of Biomechanics

• Extrinsic Biomechanicslooks at how we move externally—for example, a coach correcting your posture during a squat or chest press.
• Intrinsic Biomechanicslooks at what’s happening inside the body that makes movement possible—for example, why your glutes might not activate properly during a squat, or why your lower back takes over instead—issues that can arise from intrinsic mechanics such as muscle inhibition, neural restriction, or long-term adaptations.