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ELD 46.
The “Conscious Bodybuilder”.
Wanting to train but not just for bodybuilding, not just to make some sweet sweet gains but also to access the flow state, increase mobility and strength? But how…
Ever since the dawn of the Arnold area gyms all around the world have been created with bodybuilding at the centre. Equipment and exercise prescription designed in a bodybuilding fashion for the general public.
I’m not here to say that’s bad, I’m here to tell you there’s another way. Our training should always reflect our goals.
For Arnold and for any other bodybuilder out there, training as a bodybuilder is expected and conducive of the desired result. Muscle tissue growth.
But why is most of the population involved in fitness still training this way? Because that is what has been taught and what is the “industry standard” is. It’s what traditional education models teach us.
But let's bring it back to being goal oriented.
I would argue MOST people want:
To feel confident naked
Be strong and capable
Have as little physical pain as possible
Be mobile and able to meet the movement demands of life, like picking up a child or getting something off a shelf.
Training like a bodybuilder will definitely aid in a few of these, but it’s not optimal.
It would be like drinking coke for hydration: yes it’s hydrating but there are far better choices our there, Like… water for example.
So what is most optimal path for human movement and exercise prescription?
Well again, this is completely based of ones goals and should look different person to person. Which is what a Personal Trainer is for and how they should prescribe. Not just the same thing for every client. Like to old me did…
If you would like an more personal approach to movement, DM me and let’s chat.
Gaining a basic understanding of the Flow, Strength, Mobility method (FSM) for a well rounded movement practice is a great place to start.
As talked about in the last letter:
If our goal is to play, increase / maintain coordination, rhythm, all round athleticism and access to the “flow state”, it falls into the “Flow” category.
If our goal is to gain strength and muscle in general or in a specific movement (eg. Pull Up), it falls under the “Strength” category.
If our goal is to decrease pain, increase ranges of motion, increase flexibility and create long term joint, muscle, tendon and body health via creating strength and resilience in injury typical movements, It falls into the “Mobility” category.”
Ill add:
Flow: Gaining a sense of coherence between our body, ultimately increasing performance and decreasing pain, priming the body and mind for movement creating long term adaptations relating to the movement demands of life.
Strength: Gaining strength and trust in one’s body and ability while unlocking new movements. Through progression we also feel empowerment and make all kinds of gains. Adding to feeling confident naked.
Mobility: Through exploration of weird positions, we create new pathways that let our body adapt to these positions. So when they are accidentally found in daily life, injury doesn’t occur. We can also open up and remove / decrease pain points through intentional mobility training.
For a human that doesn’t see themself as a bodybuilder, this approach makes more sense because the overall goal is: Increased quality of life. If your training like a bodybuilder but the goal isn’t bodybuilding, it may be time to self educate within the context of movement.
The cool part is, gains will come as a result of conscious training.
Want some guidance in person or online? DM me <3
Let’s get Every Last Drop from life!
Much love,
Enjoy!
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