Principles of Life and Exercise

Yesterday I spent some time with a new client of mine and we were discussing exercise, in particular the kettlebells and how they work. I described them as requiring an effortless effort. Create the motion using the a strong root of the feet coordinated with the center of the body (the core) and then flow with the bell guiding it into proper position.

I took the concept and applied it to life. Too me in life one must stay grounded (rooted) and must stay within their center, speaking their truth with confidence, humility and humbleness.

It is important to keep in mind the life always has other components outside of you, be it people, jobs, etc. that provide opportunities, challenges or in the case of exercise equipment like kettlebells a form of resistance. Therefore one must keep the principles of being grounded, being centered in mind and learn to flow with the resistance (or challenges, opportunities).

The key is learning how to work with life and the things that our thrown our way everyday. And through this process stay grounded, stay centered and lead yourself (guide) down the path you seek.

The bells, the physioball, martial arts, sports in general offer an opportunity to explore and apply these principles. Just think how important it is to use your feet to push off, explode forward, stop, start, shift, move and think how important it is to be balance, have center of gravity, center of mass, and how much easier it is to move, to flow when you are in proper position. When you are in the proper position (rooted, centered) you enhance your opportunities to succeed. Add in technical knowledge, practice of the skills required and of course internal drive, desire and anything is possible.

I have begun to see exercise and human movement in such a different light, thanks in large part to my exposure to the kettlebells, the wonderful people I have meet and worked with through the bells and now my experience working with the Mixed Martial Arts world. Rif taught me so much about technique, skill, planning and progression, fundmental movement principles that have been further enhanced through my practice and exposure to some extremely gifted strength coaches (you know who you are). Then add in my time with Frank, who has further enhanced the concepts Rif taught me and added in the concepts of flow, fluidity, constant movement motion, awareness of position, move with rather than against resistance.

Exercise and life are fundamental and principle in basis and yet they are so fluid an beautiful and in constant motion, constant evolution and constant challenge and opportunity.

Enjoy the moment, enjoy the process and stay grounded and centered with confidence, humbleness and humility. After all if you cannot laugh at yourself then you may be left out of the party.