There are a ton of different types of exercise programs out there that it can be overwhelming to find one that works for you. One thing they all have in common, is that they all require some sort of movement.
Movement is universal. Whether you’re participating in weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, or a bootcamp class; you’re going to have to move in one way or another. Attention to detail is important when it comes to movement mechanics and staying safe. Unfortunately, injuries can happen at any time during any type of exercise program. They can even happen when you perform your everyday tasks. That is the reality of physical activity and life. You can, however, minimize the risk of injury when you own your movement.
Owning your movement takes patience, practice, and intent. Being able to perform any given movement when your body is fresh is a bit easier than performing that same movement under fatigue. Scenarios like an increased heart rate, muscle burn, or mental/physical fatigue are common effects brought on by exercise. When these moments arise, this is your opportunity to direct your focus to the quality of your movement instead of simply completing the necessary work by whatever means possible. However, it’s important to introduce yourself at a progressive rate to moments like these.
When you’re starting out, it’s important to understand the movement that is required when you’re as fresh as possible. Simply because, it’s hard to learn things when you’re tired. Give yourself a few classes to understand different exercises and the variety of workouts that are presented to you. There is no rush when it comes to developing sound movement mechanics, and often times, it’s something that is continuously being developed over time. Once you’ve learned the proper movements mechanics of the exercise, you can begin to slowly introduce workouts that require you to move with tempo, require you to pace, or intervals that really invite intensity into the equation.
When you begin to combine different types of stimuli with your movement, it’s important to take note of when you begin to lose focus on how your mechanics are feeling. If you’re starting to lose focus on how you’re moving, this is the time to really prioritize your awareness! Change gears and focus a bit more on your movement mechanics, or make an adjustment that allows you to regain that focus. Just like building strength, flexibility, or endurance; focus is something you can train as well.
Over time, your ability to focus will improve. You’ll begin to notice that you can focus through longer bouts of intensity, different types of tempos, or various types of exercise programs. Most importantly, you’ll have more body awareness and a stronger foundation for movement; minimizing your risk of injury to physical activity. Your foundation for movement is important in that it allows you to stay moving, enjoy life, and maintain a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Begin to own your movement!
