Kelly and Juliet Starrett, co-founders of MobilityWOD and experts in movement, dive into the balance of natural and structured movement in modern life. They highlight the youth fitness crisis, linking declines in physical activity to sedentary lifestyles. Key topics include the value of 'movement snacks' for wellness and the shift away from outdoor play. The Starretts advocate for functional fitness, emphasizing community and effective coaching while encouraging a joyful approach to physical capability. Their insights merge personal experience with a call for cultural change in fitness.
The transition from extreme sports to formal movement training enables diverse physical competence across various domains like gymnastics and parkour.
Promoting a balance between structured training and natural movement fosters better learning and helps develop essential movement skills.
Encouraging community and social connections can significantly enhance motivation for physical activity and support long-term commitment to fitness.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Movement Practices
The speakers discuss their journey from a background in extreme sports, such as canoeing and CrossFit, to a deeper understanding of movement and personal fitness. They highlight how early experiences in extreme athletics lacked formal movement training, which led them to eventually pursue formal methodologies. This transition enabled them to develop competence in various physical domains, including gymnastics, parkour, and Olympic lifting. Now, they utilize their foundational training to explore outdoor activities, emphasizing the application of skills rather than focusing solely on formal training.
Balancing Formal and Natural Movement
A central topic of discussion is the balance between formal training and natural movement. The speakers emphasize that formal movement practice is essential for developing foundational skills which can then be applied in natural settings. They suggest that engaging in environments where the body can self-organize leads to more effective learning and movement solutions. Importantly, creating a movement practice that integrates both structured training and unstructured play is vital for overall physical competence.
The Impact of Modern Life on Movement
The speakers express concern regarding the sedentary lifestyles of today’s youth, noting that many children lack essential movement skills due to excessive screen time and limited outdoor play. They reference studies indicating a decline in children's physical capabilities, highlighting the need for movement diversity and less sitting. The problems associated with modern lifestyles can lead to orthopedic dysfunction and a general decline in physical fitness. Their solution involves encouraging children to engage in varied physical activities and creating environments rich in movement opportunities.
Creating Movement-Rich Environments
The conversation shifts to how to foster movement-rich environments, both at home and in schools. The speakers advocate for the incorporation of natural elements that promote active play, such as standing desks or climbing structures. They emphasize the importance of regular, varied physical activity as a preventative measure against injury and dysfunction. By encouraging children and adults alike to explore play in their environment, there is a greater chance of developing a natural affinity for movement.
Social Connection and Movement Communities
The role of social connections in movement practices is a key point of discussion, as the speakers emphasize the importance of community in promoting physical activity. They describe how positive environments can motivate individuals to engage in movement without feeling judged. By fostering a culture of support and encouragement, individuals are more likely to explore their physical capabilities openly. This sense of belonging contributes to long-term commitment to movement and fitness.
The Importance of 'Movement Hygiene'
The concept of 'movement hygiene' is introduced as the idea of incorporating daily movement practices that cultivate physical well-being. The speakers argue that brief, consistent movements throughout the day, such as walking or dynamic stretches, are crucial for maintaining joint health and bodily function. They suggest that modern individuals often overlook the importance of regular, informal movement, which can contribute significantly to overall health. Creating a practice that includes both structured workouts and spontaneous movement is ideal for sustaining long-term physical fitness.
We are super excited to share our first ever Evolve Move Play podcast featuring Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett. We had an awesome discussion on how to balance natural movement and formal movement practice in a modern life and much much more.
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