Movement lessons from Nature

Its information overload when it comes to advice about movement and exercise. We can log on to websites, insta, tik tok or listen intently to our group fitness instructors or PTs at the gym. We even try bizarre trends promoted by the celebrities. Everywhere we look there is another “newest evidence” in health and fitness.

But have you ever learned by just observation from nature? We human beings are made of the same elements of nature and the same laws of nature will affect us. We were created from clay and our bodies are an integral part of this Earth….so the signs are there to teach us. We just need to listen to the wisest of all (wordly) teachers!

Here are three lessons I have learned:

Strength Matters: This is one area most neglected by women and yet most needed by women! In nature the strongest have the best advantage. Its important to work on your strength in a way thats adaptable: being strong in one way (eg heavy bench press etc) is not much use if you cannot control your body mass in all situations. Be careful to work within your pain limits and soon you will find that improving strength is one of the most effective ways of reducing pain.

What to do: Everyday incorporate a push, pull, press, carry, squat and lunge , floorwork and hanging.

Natural Movement is infinately better than linear : Movement is non-linear, ie spirals, rotations, waves, circles etc. Yet most of the exercise we do is linear, along the frontal plane. There is not one thing in nature that is that is moved by an external force in just one direction/plane . The human being is NOT meant to train on treadmills and machines. Although there are some benefits to them, its always best to work with how the body was designed to move, ie, naturally!

What to do: avoid machines and always choose natural terrains if possible. Train on variable terrains. Move in all directions and try assymetrical training with heavy loads. Do a lot of floor work and mobility routines.

Movement is life

Nothing is nature sits still for long. There are always periods of growth and dormancy. Nature is always adapting and flowing with the conditions . Things that cannot adapt and cannot move as designed will die. The law of adaptation is one of the most important laws off the universe. And applies to us too. In exercise we must always adapt to progress. That may mean going heavier or resting longer. The skill to develop is to LISTEN to the body.

What to do: Move more often and more of your body. Push out of your comfortable range of motion . Do not stagnate and get comfortable in your exercise regime. Introduce new elements when you feel the boredom kick in. Remember rest and recovery is important too!

Have you noticed any lessons from nature ? Have you changed the way you move from these observations?