Movement 101

Learning to understand where movement comes from both cognitively and physically is a topic that we frequent here on 101. It's important to understand why you are doing something and why it is good for your body so that you can reap the full benefits! Do you guys agree?

It's simple to get out there and perform an exercise. Any old dummy can do a lat pull, lunge or squat. So why do we pay the big bucks to get personal trainers, fitness instructors and physiotherapists to help?

Because there is a HUGE difference between movement and intelligent movement.

Intelligent movement is movement which utilizes a strong mind-body connection to achieve the desired results. The concepts are simple.

ALL movement is initiated in our 'powerhouse' which is so termed because of its capability to produce the strength over the specified time period required to complete a task. This powerhouse is contained in our 'body'. ' Body' meaning our trunk or what some would refer to as our 'core'. Our arms and legs merely serve the purpose to allow us freedom of movement and task accomplishment.

What does this mean to you??

The power required to successfully achieve any given task is provided by the trunk. Movement that is not recruited first through the trunk can lead to inefficiency in the system and stress to ligaments, muscles and bones, causing injury. Realize ease in movement by initiating all movement patterns in the trunk:

• Lift your arm above your head and rest it to your side. Now do this same action again, but this time, allow the initiation of the movement to come from allowing the shoulder blade to glide down your back. Notice the difference in movement. Did you move with more ease? Did your shoulder girdle feel more connected?


• From a sitting position, bend your knee and lift it up, now return to your start position. Perform this same action again except this time, think about allowing your thigh bone to sink deep into its socket. Do you feel a change in the muscle recruitment?


• Apply this to your exercise routine: with arm movements, think of the motion starting in the opposite buttocks; leg movements should start at the opposite shoulder.

Do you feel a difference in the way you move by initiating the movement from your core? What do you do to work out your core? What kind of matra do you have for yourself when it comes to health? Knowledge is power or are you more of a person who just wants to know what to do when rather than why its good for you?