What is ‘movement’?

This should be obvious shouldn’t it? What’s going on with this term?

Will it get you jacked?

And…well…is it a cult?

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or YouTube looking at fitness people doing some combination of handstands, calisthenics, middle splits, or acrobatics, then you may have heard them talking about “Movement practice” or being a “Movement athlete”. 

So what does it mean?

I mean, if you’re an athlete of any variety or skill level…aren’t you doing movement?

It’s so contrived. But, I hope to explain what this means if you hear people talking or posting about “Movement”, and want to know what’s going on. As well as why I still consider myself a movement coach, and why I think it’s the best practice for curious people.

So, where did this all start?

This ‘Movement’ idea got popular on the back of a capoeirista named Ido Portal (YouTube some capoeira performances, it’s a BEAUTIFUL martial art) who was in incredible shape, and could perform mind bending skills with his body. Not only doing calisthenic skills like handstand push ups and one arm chin ups, but lifting weights, doing one arm handstands, and all the badass acrobatics found in capoeira and gymnastics.

And, perhaps most importantly, all from a relatively late introduction to these sports. Rather than as a child prodigy athlete turned coach, post retirement.

In a time during the 2010s when CrossFit was sweeping fitness culture, these ‘Movers’ made most fitness brands and styles look like they still had training wheels attached. They could do anything and everything, and with so much flash and style. Fitness could finally be more than just running fast, lifting weights, and having biceps. Or the opposite, in pilates and yoga.

There was living proof that you didn’t need a decade of gymnastics or circus experience to perform amazing skills as an adult.

And you could learn these things safely. No concussions or torn shoulders required, à la ‘CrossFits fails’ compilations.

Movement, loosely, is the idea that casual athletes, just regular adults who liked working out, can learn to perform unimaginable skills. While still building an incredible physique. 

More specifically, it’s a project to map out how we move, and prioritize the key building blocks of a competent and comfortable human. It can add layers to your physical experience, and bring more appreciation for your body with it.

The more loose definition is how most people talk about Movement as a practice these days, but why should you care? 

Well, if the idea of building a body capable of anything interests you, then this practice could be just what you’ve been looking for. 

If longevity interests you, this practice is an excellent choice. 

Frankly, if you want more from your body, I think you should consider a Movement practice. 

Because you don’t need to be a yogi to be flexible.

You don’t need to be a bodybuilder to look fantastic.

And you don’t need to be a powerlifter to be strong. 

And you didn’t need to start as a kid to learn handstands and acrobatics. 

You can just be a curious adult who loves to stay fit and move their body. And you can, potentially, still do it all. Or, at least, do the things that excite you the most. 

Find the right path, and the right guide, and you can get just about anywhere you want to go.