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Dr. Pat Davidson reveals a revolutionary approach to understanding human movement through an evolutionary lens on this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast. Rather than treating exercises as arbitrary selections, Davidson presents his comprehensive seven-pillar model that creates a systematic, logical progression for any movement pattern – from the most basic to the most advanced.

Davidson begins by cutting through fitness industry nonsense, explaining that personal training success requires strength in three areas: aesthetics (how you look), personality/charisma, and technical knowledge. This refreshing honesty acknowledges what many trainers ignore – clients want to spend time with people who are both fun and represent their fitness goals. Davidson's own transformation from being called "Fat Davidson" online to becoming a competitive bodybuilder in his forties demonstrates living these principles.

The heart of the episode explores Davidson's brilliant application of evolutionary biology to movement patterns. Through the concept of Jacksonian dissolution, he explains how humans under stress revert to more primitive movement strategies – essentially "swimming through space" like our evolutionary ancestors. This explains why stressed or underdeveloped movers compensate with frontal plane strategies rather than the sagittal uprighting and transverse rotation that characterizes competent human movement.

For trainers working with clients who struggle with movement, Davidson's "training wheels" approach provides a clear methodology. By strategically adding "ground" – points of contact, feedback, and support – trainers can help clients understand proper positioning and movement patterns. As clients develop competence, these supports are gradually removed, creating a seamless progression from "white belt" to advanced movement capabilities.

The episode offers invaluable insights for fitness professionals looking to elevate their practice

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Zach Rosen

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