152: Spiky Exercise Opinions
Thoughts re: movement and fitness 🌶
Here are fifteen of my strong opinions on exercise, fitness, and movement.
In no particular order.
Just my personal perspective. N = 1.
Summary list
Save-able summary in PDF.
Supporting points below.
- Sometimes good mobility training is just regular strength training through wide ranges of motion.
Static stretching and flexibility ≠ usable mobility.
- Handbalancing is the coolest circus act.
Tumbling or partner acro comes second.
The best acts don’t require equipment.
- Most exercise "content" on the internet is either rigidly prescriptive, shame-based, and/or shallow entertainment.
Intuitive exploration > rigid dogma.
- It's good to spend time sitting in different positions.
Excessive furniture-time leads to postural problems and pain.
Many people would benefit from spending more time on the floor.
- Getting up and down from the ground is a useful skill.
Floor mobility is especially important if you are older or care for little ones.
- Physical education is the most important class kids take in school.
Exercise facilitates learning and improves stress management.
Yet many young people have traumatizing experiences in gym class, which can end up negatively impacting their relationship to movement for life.
- Hanging helps solve many nagging shoulder issues.
Hanging is critical for shoulder, wrist, and elbow health.
Most adults probably don’t hang enough.
- The key to making fitness sustainable long-term = fun.
An enjoyable fitness practice you commit to is far better than a "optimized" program that feels sterile, scientific, draining and / or boring.
Some intrinsic motivation, social connection, or fun is required.
- Soccer (football) is the most beautiful game.
Perhaps this is not controversial. ⚽
- The wrong footwear can mess up your feet and toes.
Toes are vital for balance, explosive power, and gait.
More people should train their ankles directly (ideally barefoot).
- Older fitness role models are essential.
We should study older active adults to better understand longevity and health.
Older athletes and dancers are inspiring.
They show us what is possible, long-term.
- Toddlers are fantastic movement teachers.
There is a standard set of foundational positions and transitions in development.
Over time, most adults lose them because we stop using them.
- More people should train hands, wrists, fingers directly.
Hands are worth training in in creative ways.
- The natural world is the best gym.
The human body wasn't designed run on treadmills or lift symmetrical weights.
It is much better to swim, navigate uneven surfaces, explore, and carry objects.
Plus, it comes with free fresh air and bonus vitamin D.
- Someday we will all struggle with the basics.
Due to injury, age, illness, or disability - we will all someday lose function.
Sometimes this will be temporary. Sometimes this might be more permanent.
It is only when we lose the skills related to the activities of daily living that we recognize them as precious and essential.
Thanks for reading.
I'm sure there are omissions and blind spots here. This is just my rough, personal take.
Share your notes ✍
I'd love to hear from you!
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