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Video Overview
Feeling Your way into Training
In this video, I talk about a number of insights that came through for me in my training over the past week or so. These include the epiphany about feeling your way into an exercise, especially if it is new and challenging. This insight contrasts with the training approach of baptism by fire.
I think we set ourselves up best for success when we give ourselves the space to learn the techniques of what we are doing. Feeling our way into new exercises can go a long way towards that end because it integrates consciously learning our bodies into our training.
Training Principles and Exceptions
Another insight was that, while there are basic training principles that are generally true and well worth following, there are always exceptions. What brought that into relief for me was the difference between accepted training wisdom regarding isometric strength work as shared by Steven Low in his book Overcoming Gravity (see below) and what I am doing.
In the video, I talk about his advice and how it contrasts with what I’m doing. I also talk about why I think what I’m doing is right for my body at this time despite the fact that it contradicts established wisdom.
Training as a Path of Exploration
In addition to these insights, I share my preference for training as a path of exploration. That leads into my current explorations of a shoulder issue in which I am finding my way through discomfort to land on what is the best, most nutritive and helpful training I can do at this time to resolve my shoulder issues.
One reason I like the idea of training as a path of exploration is that, when it is framed and undertaken in that spirit, it becomes a path of learning our bodies. In that way, it becomes an empowering path of ever-increasing agency over our bodies, ourselves, and our path in the world.
Consider the alternative. If our relationship with training is to show up and do what others tell us to do or guide us in doing, while we may get in shape, we may not ever truly learn our body or ourselves and our relationship with both.
Yin and Yang
I had a surprising insight into yin and yang as they relate to the body. I’ll let what I say in the video do the talking for this one.
Running Starts with the Scapula
The last thing I talk about after demonstrating a few exercises is the insight I had while crawling that the crawling motion, which is the foundation for walking and running, begins with the scapula (arm) not the leg. First the scapula engages, pulling our body forward, then the leg comes forward.
This sequence fits perfectly with what David Weck teaches about the walking and running movement. I have shared links to his work in previous videos. See, especially, the post:
Three Exercise Demos
Finally, I share three exercise pregressions that I have identified to help me where I am. They are:
L-Sit Lean Backs
Nordic Curls
Tall Kneeling Good Mornings
I explain each and demonstrate them in the video.
Mentioned in the Video
Overcoming Gravity
Overcoming Gravity is Steven Low’s comprehensive book on training. While it focuses on bodyweight strength training, it covers all of the basic training principles. So far, I have read the first two chapters. Already, I have picked up some nuggets. Also, some things I haven’t been clear on have been clarified. For those reasons, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the basic principles of training.
Shoulder Stand and Fish Pose
When looking for yoga poses to help my thyroid (I have hypothyroidism at the moment), I found the video below recommending and demonstrating the shoulder stand and the fish pose. I can’t make an objective claim about their effectiveness for that condition, nor can I advise you to do them for it.
What I can say is that I was looking for yoga poses that are said to help with hypothyroidism and found this video showing the shoulder stand and fish pose. I enjoy doing them. And I would say that my energy feels better, though my lab tests haven’t changed and there are a number of other factors that are likely contributing to my energy improving.
The Back Lever and Manna Bodyweight Exercises
In the video, I mentioned the back lever and the manna, two classic bodyweight strength exercises. In the first video below, Chris Heria explains what the back lever is, outlines how to build up to it, and demonstrates it. In the second video, Acro Fitnesss shows some progressions leading up to the manna exercise.
Back Lever
Manna
A Gentle Reminder: On the Nature of this Content
While I am certified as a personal trainer (certified in 2011), I have never worked in the field and, other than attending a weekend workshop learning about the foundations of the Z-Health system, I have not pursued formal continuing education due to illness. Therefore, what I share in my videos and other posts about my personal journey, choices, and insights is not meant to constitute professional advice or training guidance. I am sharing my experiences purely as an individual on a personal journey.
While I will do my best to explain what I’m doing, each person is unique, and what is right for you will depend on your specific situation, so please use your best judgment if you decide to try anything I share. As needed, consult with qualified professionals - such as doctors, physical therapists, certified personal trainers currently working in the field, running coaches, nutritionists, etc. - who can work with you directly to help you reach your goals given your specific circumstances.
Cover Image Credit
Feeling Your Way into Training