THREE LAYERS OF PHYSICAL AWARENESS IN STRENGTH TRAINING
Getting to know the body is a process, much like getting to know a new friend. First, there is the tentative stage, like dogs sniffing each other’s butts at the park. Then, as trust builds, you open up and the relationship strengthens. Eventually, you might go on a holiday together—woohoo! And, of course, you continue communicating as you grow and discover new things about yourself and each other.
Getting to know the body in a strength context is not much different.
First, there is the learning (or relearning) of where your skeleton is in space and its relationship to gravity and weight.
Second, there is the coordination of how your joints fold and unfold to create a shape that is efficient and stable.
Third, there is the ability to stabilize and engage your muscles to support and maintain the skeletal structure through any given shape (exercise or movement).
This process can be applied at any level of physical awareness, from beginner to advanced. It’s a process that never really ends, only deepens.
I’ve been squatting for a good 10 years now, and I’m still learning new things.
"If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If it's still boring, then try eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually, one discovers that it is not boring at all." – John Cage
Nicole x
