Asymmetries: When They’re Normal vs. When They Become a Risk Factor Artwork

Movement Podcast

Human movement is complex, fascinating, and affects us all. Our hosts, Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton, have dedicated their lives to understanding movement and have trained thousands of fitness and healthcare professionals worldwide with their holistic philosophy and approach. Listen as they discuss topics, speak with other industry experts, answer questions & give practical advice on how you can optimize the human body to be the best it can be.

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Movement Podcast

Asymmetries: When They’re Normal vs. When They Become a Risk Factor

February 05, 2026 • Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton • Season 7 • Episode 91

Asymmetries are normal — but not all asymmetries are created equal. In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton break down the difference between anatomical, functional, and developmental asymmetry, and explain when asymmetry becomes a slippery slope that impacts performance, durability, and injury risk.

They also discuss why the goal isn’t “perfect symmetry,” but keeping asymmetries from getting worse, and how movement screening helps coaches and clinicians make smarter training decisions.

In this episode:

• The 3 types of asymmetry: anatomical, functional, developmental
• When asymmetry becomes a risk factor (and when it’s just sport-specific)
• Why “don’t let it get worse” is the real goal
• Key impairment asymmetries to watch: ankle dorsiflexion + grip strength
• Why dynamic balance + functional patterns matter more than isolated measures
• Practical ways to “scrub the corners” and restore awareness

More from the Movement Podcast: https://www.movementpod.com/

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