Baby Steps: What a Baby Can Teach You About Movement

This video speaks for itself, so I’m not going to say much.

I will request that you don’t merely watch the video, staring blankly at the screen in deep thought, but actually become an active participant and follow along. After about 1 second, it’s going to instruct you: “to begin, please lie on your back.” Do it. In fact, switch the video to full screen so that you can read it easier and don’t have to strain your eyes. You’ll appreciate the video so much more if you actually follow along.

Now, watch as little Liv teaches you all about movement…

That was an introductory video for the Feldenkrais Method that was produced by Irene Gutteridge. I’m not familiar with Feldenkrais, but I’ve heard that many of the lessons are drawn from childhood motor development. It’s something I’d be interested in learning more about.

I am reminded that movement learning need not be complicated. When you boil it down to it’s most basic level, it just requires focused awareness, self-experimentation, and a lot of practice. Coaching is valuable, of course, and often speeds up the learning process, but it’s refreshing to be reminded that we are equipped with everything we need to develop and refine movement skills – from the very basics on upward.

Thoughts?

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CST, CST-KS, NSCA-CPT
Health-First Fitness Coach

10 thoughts on “Baby Steps: What a Baby Can Teach You About Movement”

  1. Hi John,

    Great video.

    2 folks you might want to check out

    Charlie Murdach has a CST background in addition to his Feldenkrais training.
    Homepage
    http://web.me.com/charlie.murdach/4_Season_New/Welcome.html
    Youtube
    http://www.youtube.com/user/charliemurdach#p/u

    Dr. DellaGrotte has an eclectic approach.
    Homepage
    http://www.dellagrotte-somatic.com/
    Youtube
    http://www.youtube.com/user/coreintegration#p/u

    Hope you find the above interesting.

    Thanks for all the info and entertainment.

    Peter

    1. Thanks for the links, Peter! I actually know Charlie. He hired me for some CST training a couple years ago. I didn’t know he had a Youtube channel though. Will check it all out – thanks again.

  2. John,

    Kinda thought you and Charlie might have crossed paths.

    I’ve got one more resource that I couldn’t remember before.

    http://www.flowingbody.com/

    Richard is a really great guy with a very interesting approach.

    Check out the lesson of the month archives.

    Enjoy,

    Peter

  3. Hi John,

    I have been visiting your site off and on for a while. I enjoy your reviews and your website overall is well done. I am an ex-martial artist and dabble in bodyweight exercise to try and stay fit. I am also a Feldenkrais Practitioner and delighted to find your mention of Feldenkrais here! As you said it is still not well known to the say the least like CST. I am interested in checking out TACFIT and am still not sure if I should get the warrior or commando version. If you ever have any questions about Feldenkrais please feel free to ask.

    Best,
    Seth

  4. Oh yes, I also just saw that you were recently in Montere/Salinas where I live, at Wolf Fitness. I have been thinking of checking them out so nice to see your endorsement. I am not sure the necessity of going to a gym for bodyweight training but am interested in getting a few personal training sessions at some point.

    1. Hi Seth,

      Thanks for the kind words. Wolf Fitness is the best, and they’ve got a bunch of great trainers that are experienced with bodyweight training. Take some sessions or sign up for some classes – you’ll love it.

      I generally recommend TACFIT Commando to people whom are primarily interested in a tough bodyweight training program, and TACFIT Warrior to those who’d like to get more in tune with the mental side of training. There’s a lot more info about the difference between the two programs here:

      https://physicalliving.com/tacfit-warrior-faq-for-consumers/

      Maybe I’ll pick your brain about Feldenkrais one of these days.

  5. Thanks for the reply John. I was happy to see your link about Feldenkrais as it fits in so well with the bodyweight exercise and CST ideas, but isn’t known much in the fitness world in part because you don’t sweat in Feldenkrais. There is no cardio component to it, as it is all about learning coordination and moving smarter rather than harder. Feldenkrais’ ideas about motor learning came from infant development but much of his movement lessons are based on his high level expertise in Judo.

    As for me, I think the TACFIT Commando might be what I am looking for right now. One last question, I have been using a Kettlebell a bit recently and am interested in the Clubbells. I believe that TACFIT Commando is bodyweight only right? What would be a good resource for someone new to Clubbells?

    Thanks!
    Seth

    1. Seth,

      TC is indeed bodyweight-only – no equipment required. If you’re looking for information on clubbells, then I wrote up a very thorough product review here:

      https://physicalliving.com/clubbell-review/

      And if you’re looking for a program to follow, then I think Shane Heins programs are superb (coincidentally, these are also on sale this week):

      Clubbell Mass Evolution
      https://physicalliving.com/the-clubbell-mass-evolution-complete-review/

      Clubbell Hero Evolution
      https://physicalliving.com/the-clubbell-hero-evolution-first-impressions/

      Sonnon also has a few clubbell training resources available, but they are more encyclopedic in nature. If you’re looking to get certified in either TACFIT or CST, then I’d recommend the Big Book of Clubbell Training and the Encyclopedia of Clubbell Training DVD’s.

  6. thx for that post i love you site
    hey what do you suggest to do when ones body has an imbalance to one side?
    for example when i run (barefoot, much better than running with shoes)
    my left foot ( near talus bone) as well as my right knee and right hip starts to hurt.also when i sit my right shoulder blade starts hurting after 10 minutes, my girlfriend also tells me that they are not in line :D

    1. Wish I could help, but without seeing you, it’s impossible to offer any recommendations. I’d visit your doctor and ask for a referral to a good physical therapist if you feel you may be injured. Take it from someone who has spent over 4 years of his life injured, and don’t take risks with your health.

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