Movement: Models & Theories
- personal995
- May 14, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2024
Index
Introduction
Models & Theories are essential tools for understanding, exploring, and interacting with the world around us. They help us unlock the mysteries of nature, solve practical problems, and drive progress and innovation in various fields of human endeavor.
With that in mind, first we want to align this with what we are trying to achieve. Ultimately we want to grow and achieve our Goals. The Models & Theories then, need to help us to formulate strategic plans that can do just so.
The thing with strategic plans is they are more often than not dealing with systems of chaos (human nature, environments, economies, complex adaptive systems etc), and as such can not be completely fixed. They need to be adaptable.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the American military officer and statesman, once said, "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
There are very few perfect models or theories that suit every situation. Every individual's unique goals have specific requirements to successfully execute them.
However, there are often general, timeless, adaptable or customisable Models & Theories that can be utilised to begin building momentum, or which are suitable to create from, a unique and flexible strategic plan.
These Models & Theories are selected and continually curated with this aim in mind.
Get creative. Use the Models & Theories verbatim, if they serve you in that form. If not, use them purely as idea generators, as partials to build upon or as starting points to adapt and customise.
If none specifically suit, move on to the Self Review, Lessons and Case Studies and create your own working model.
Process
With your Values and Goals front of mind, what is it you are aiming to do or achieve? Once you have that clear for yourself:
Review all the Models & Theories below. Do any appear to provide the beginnings of a structure you can use as a strategic plan?
If so, start working through the steps and build momentum, adapting as it suits for your specific situation.
If not, do some partial aspects or a sum of parts approach to help you customise a strategic plan?
If still not, move on to the Self Review, Lessons and Case Studies and create your own working model.
Models & Theories
1. On Functional Movement Training (FMT)
Summary: Functional Movement Training (FMT) focuses on exercises that mimic everyday movements and improve overall functional fitness, including strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. The goal of FMT is to enhance an individual's ability to perform daily activities more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury.
Here's a brief overview and steps for incorporating FMT to assist in living well and doing one's best work:
Assessment: Begin by assessing your current movement patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. This can involve self-assessment or seeking guidance from a certified personal trainer or physical therapist who specializes in functional movement.
Identify Functional Goals: Determine the specific functional movements or activities that are important for your daily life and work. These may include lifting objects, bending and reaching, maintaining balance, or performing repetitive tasks with good posture.
Exercise Selection: Choose exercises that target multiple muscle groups and replicate the movements you perform regularly. Examples include squats, lunges, kettlebell swings, pull-ups, push-ups, deadlifts, rows, presses, planks, and rotational movements.
Focus on Technique: Proper technique is essential to maximize the effectiveness of functional exercises and reduce the risk of injury. Start with bodyweight or light resistance and gradually progress as technique improves.
Progression: Gradually increase the intensity, duration, or complexity of exercises as your strength and proficiency improve. This can involve increasing resistance, adding variations or instability challenges, or incorporating functional movements into dynamic workouts.
Include Mobility and Flexibility Work: Alongside strength training, include exercises and stretches that improve joint mobility and flexibility. This can help prevent stiffness and enhance movement efficiency.
Integrate Balance Training: Incorporate exercises that challenge balance and stability, such as single-leg exercises, balance boards, or unstable surface training. Improving balance can reduce the risk of falls and enhance overall functional movement capacity.
Functional Core Training: Focus on strengthening the core muscles (abdominals, obliques, lower back) to support stability and proper alignment during functional movements. Include exercises that target core stability, rotation, and anti-rotation.
Consistency and Variety: Consistently incorporate FMT exercises into your workout routine while also including variety to target different movement patterns and muscle groups. This can prevent plateaus and ensure overall fitness balance.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to functional exercises and adjust accordingly. Rest when needed, address any discomfort or pain, and seek guidance from a fitness professional if you encounter challenges or limitations.
Conclusion: By following these steps and integrating Functional Movement Training into your fitness regimen, you can improve your physical capabilities, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to perform your best in both life and work activities.
2. On Strength Training
Summary: Strength training is a type of physical exercise that involves resistance training to improve muscle strength, endurance, and power. Incorporating strength training into your routine can assist you in living well and performing your best work by enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and overall performance.
Here's a brief overview and steps for incorporating strength training into your lifestyle:
Assessment: Begin by assessing your current fitness level, any specific goals you have, and any potential limitations or health concerns. This can involve consulting with a fitness professional or healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through strength training. Your goals may include improving overall strength, building muscle mass, increasing endurance, enhancing athletic performance, or preventing age-related muscle loss.
Select Exercises: Choose a variety of exercises that target major muscle groups, including upper body, lower body, and core muscles. Examples include squats, deadlifts, lunges, farmer's walk, wood chop / sledgehammer, chest presses, rows, shoulder presses, and planks.
Learn Proper Technique: Focus on learning and practicing proper exercise technique to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury. If you're new to strength training, consider working with a certified personal trainer to ensure proper form and guidance.
Start with Basic Movements: Begin with lighter weights or resistance bands and focus on mastering basic movements before progressing to more advanced exercises or heavier weights. This will help you build a solid foundation and reduce the risk of injury.
Gradually Increase Intensity: As you become more comfortable with strength training, gradually increase the intensity, volume, or resistance of your workouts to continue challenging your muscles and promoting growth and adaptation.
Include Progressive Overload: Incorporate the principle of progressive overload by gradually increasing the resistance, repetitions, or sets of your exercises over time. This helps stimulate muscle growth and strength gains.
Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate rest and recovery time between strength training sessions to allow your muscles to repair and grow stronger. Aim for at least 48 hours of rest between sessions targeting the same muscle groups.
Consistency: Consistently incorporate strength training into your workout routine, aiming for at least two to three sessions per week. Consistency is key to seeing progress and reaping the benefits of strength training.
Monitor Progress: Track your progress over time by keeping a workout journal, recording your sets, reps, and weights used, and periodically reassessing your goals and adjusting your training program accordingly.
Conclusion: By following these steps and integrating strength training into your lifestyle, you can improve your physical strength, endurance, and overall health, leading to greater resilience, energy, and productivity in both your personal and professional endeavors.
3. On High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Summary: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of cardiovascular exercise that alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and brief recovery periods. HIIT workouts are known for their efficiency and effectiveness in improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories, and boosting metabolism. Incorporating HIIT into your routine can assist you in living well and performing your best work by enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and overall productivity.
Here's a brief overview and steps for incorporating HIIT into your lifestyle:
Assessment: Begin by assessing your current fitness level, any specific goals you have, and any potential limitations or health concerns. Consult with a fitness professional or healthcare provider to ensure HIIT is suitable for you.
Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through HIIT, whether it's improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories for weight loss, increasing endurance, or boosting overall energy levels.
Choose Exercises: Select exercises that can be performed at high intensity for short intervals. These can include bodyweight exercises (e.g., burpees, jump squats, mountain climbers), cardio exercises (e.g., sprinting, cycling, jumping rope), or a combination of both.
Warm-Up: Begin your HIIT workout with a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for the intense exercise to follow. This can include dynamic stretches, light jogging, or low-intensity versions of the exercises you'll be performing.
Work Interval: Perform each high-intensity exercise at maximum effort for a short duration, typically ranging from 20 to 60 seconds. The goal is to work at an intensity that feels challenging and pushes you outside your comfort zone.
Recovery Interval: After each high-intensity interval, allow yourself a brief recovery period, typically ranging from 10 to 60 seconds. Use this time to catch your breath and prepare for the next high-intensity interval.
Repeat: Alternate between high-intensity intervals and recovery intervals for the duration of your workout. The number of intervals and total workout time can vary based on your fitness level and goals, but HIIT workouts are typically shorter in duration compared to steady-state cardio workouts.
Cool Down: After completing your HIIT workout, finish with a cooldown to gradually lower your heart rate and stretch your muscles. Focus on static stretches that target the muscles you worked during the workout.
Progression: As you become more accustomed to HIIT, gradually increase the intensity, duration, or complexity of your workouts to continue challenging your body and seeing progress. This can involve increasing the number of intervals, reducing recovery time, or incorporating advanced variations of exercises.
Conclusion: By following these steps and incorporating HIIT into your routine, you can improve your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and boost overall energy levels, leading to greater resilience, focus, and productivity in both your personal and professional life.
4. On Cardiovascular Exercise
Summary: Cardiovascular exercise, also known as cardio or aerobic exercise, is any physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing rate over an extended period. Incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your routine can assist you in living well and performing your best work by improving cardiovascular health, increasing energy levels, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Here's a brief overview and steps for incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your lifestyle:
Assessment: Start by assessing your current fitness level, any specific goals you have, and any potential limitations or health concerns. Consider factors such as age, fitness history, and any existing medical conditions.
Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through cardiovascular exercise, whether it's improving cardiovascular fitness, increasing endurance, managing weight, reducing stress, or boosting overall energy levels.
Choose Activities: Select cardiovascular activities that you enjoy and that are suitable for your fitness level and goals. Examples include walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, hiking, rowing, or participating in group fitness classes.
Frequency: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, spread out over several days. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as your fitness improves.
Intensity: Determine the intensity of your cardiovascular exercise based on your fitness level and goals. Moderate-intensity exercise should feel challenging but still allow you to carry on a conversation, while vigorous-intensity exercise should feel more difficult and cause you to break a sweat.
Warm-Up: Begin each cardiovascular workout with a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for exercise. This can include 5-10 minutes of low-intensity activity such as walking, jogging, or cycling, followed by dynamic stretches to loosen up muscles and joints.
Main Workout: Engage in your chosen cardiovascular activity at a steady pace, maintaining the desired intensity for the duration of your workout. Focus on proper form and technique to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury.
Cool Down: After completing your cardiovascular workout, finish with a cooldown to gradually lower your heart rate and stretch your muscles. Perform static stretches targeting major muscle groups to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated before, during, and after your cardiovascular workout, and refuel with a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein to support muscle recovery and replenish energy stores.
Consistency: Make cardiovascular exercise a regular part of your routine by scheduling workouts into your weekly schedule and sticking to them. Consistency is key to seeing improvements in cardiovascular fitness and reaping the benefits of regular exercise.
Conclusion: By following these steps and incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your lifestyle, you can improve your cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, enabling you to live well and perform your best work.
5. On Outdoor Activities
Summary: Engaging in outdoor activities is a fantastic way to improve physical and mental well-being, leading to a more fulfilling life and better work performance.
Here's a brief overview and steps on how to use outdoor activities to live well and do your best work:
Assessment: Assess your interests, fitness level, and any logistical considerations such as location and equipment needed for outdoor activities.
Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through outdoor activities, whether it's improving physical fitness, reducing stress, connecting with nature, or simply enjoying leisure time outdoors.
Choose Activities: Select outdoor activities that align with your interests and goals. Options include hiking, biking, walking, trail running, rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, gardening, or simply spending time in a park or natural environment.
Plan and Prepare: Research and plan your outdoor adventures, considering factors such as location, weather, terrain, safety precautions, and necessary equipment. Prepare adequately by dressing appropriately, bringing water and snacks, and informing others of your plans if venturing into remote areas.
Start Small: If you're new to outdoor activities or physical fitness, start with manageable activities and gradually increase intensity and duration as your fitness level improves. Choose trails or routes that match your current abilities.
Enjoy Nature: Take time to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and the natural surroundings. Use outdoor activities as an opportunity to disconnect from screens, breathe fresh air, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature.
Challenge Yourself: Push your limits and challenge yourself to try new outdoor activities or set personal goals for improvement. This can help boost self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.
Socialize: Engage in outdoor activities with friends, family, or like-minded individuals to enhance enjoyment and motivation. Outdoor activities provide an excellent opportunity for socializing, bonding, and building connections.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Use outdoor activities as a chance to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Focus on the present moment, pay attention to your surroundings, and let go of stress and worries.
Recovery and Reflection: After outdoor activities, take time to rest, recover, and reflect on your experiences. Listen to your body, hydrate, refuel with nutritious food, and savor the sense of accomplishment and well-being that comes from spending time outdoors.
Conclusion: By incorporating outdoor activities into your lifestyle and following these steps, you can improve physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, enabling you to live well and perform your best work with renewed energy and vitality.
6. On Low Intensity Practices
Summary: Low intensity practices, such as yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong, combine physical movement with mental awareness and relaxation techniques. These practices focus on cultivating mindfulness, reducing stress, improving flexibility, balance, and strength, and promoting overall well-being.
Here's a brief overview and steps on how to use low intensity practices to live well and do your best work:
Assessment: Reflect on your current state of well-being and any specific areas of physical or mental health you'd like to address. Consider your preferences and interests in choosing a mindful movement practice that suits you best.
Set Intentions: Clarify your intentions for practicing mindful movement. This might include reducing stress, improving flexibility, enhancing mental clarity, or fostering a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.
Choose a Practice: Select a mindful movement practice that resonates with you. Some options include:
Yoga: A practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation to promote physical and mental health.
Tai Chi: An ancient Chinese martial art characterized by slow, flowing movements that promote relaxation, balance, and inner harmony.
Qigong: A holistic practice that involves coordinated body movements, breathwork, and meditation to cultivate vital energy (qi) and promote overall health and well-being.
Pilates: A system of exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing body awareness and control.
Learn from Experts: Seek guidance from experienced instructors or practitioners who can provide proper instruction and support in your chosen mindful movement practice. Consider attending classes, workshops, or online tutorials to deepen your understanding and refine your technique.
Start Slowly: Begin your practice at a comfortable pace, focusing on proper alignment, breathing, and mindfulness. Listen to your body and honor its limits, avoiding any movements or positions that cause discomfort or strain.
Practice Regularly: Establish a consistent practice schedule that works for you, whether it's daily, several times a week, or weekly. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of mindful movement practices.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Pay attention to your body, breath, and sensations as you move through the practice. Stay present in the moment, letting go of distractions and worries, and cultivating a sense of inner calm and awareness.
Modify as Needed: Adapt your practice to suit your individual needs and preferences. Modify poses or movements as necessary, using props or variations to accommodate any physical limitations or injuries.
Incorporate Breathwork: Integrate conscious breathing techniques into your practice to enhance relaxation, focus, and energy flow. Use deep, slow breaths to support your movements and promote a sense of calm and centeredness.
Reflect and Integrate: Take time after each practice to reflect on your experience and any insights gained. Notice how your mindful movement practice influences other areas of your life, including your mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
Conclusion: By incorporating mindful movement practices into your lifestyle and following these steps, you can cultivate physical and mental resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, enabling you to live well and do your best work with greater presence, focus, and vitality.
By reviewing these models and theories above you can pick and choose what may work best for you and your own unique situation, try, test and refine your process to suit. To the point where you begin to see improvements and compound your results moving forward.
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