If you do not have a movement practice or access to a good movement teacher, then finding a physical practice that you enjoy and makes you feel empowered is a good place to start.
You already love moving, (or nothing I write is going to convince you.) The only question then is where are you in your journey? Are you in the age of roots, fire, water or air? It’s very important to realize there are going to be major transitions in one’s journey through life. I consider myself typical in that movement played a huge role when I was young. There was a significant period in my 30’s where I lost the plot. I was lucky that I didn’t lose touch with movement for too long. Looking back from 20 years on, I believe that I was trying to hold onto an identity.
At the time, what I was doing was a big part of who I saw myself as. I didn’t understand that who I am, was going to change—is supposed to change! Naive, I denied the feelings which were suggesting I change. As I said, it turns out I was lucky.
As is often the case: No takeaway. Just food for thought.
The future of functional fitness is an evolution into functional movement.
We see this already in the explosion of more complex movement practices like parkour happening all over the world and being adopted slowly by the mainstream fitness world. Organisms are not machines, and the era of training them like machines will give way to an age of treating them like organisms, leading to longer health-spans, fewer injuries and even greater potential.
Thanks, Dan! Thanks for the teaching, for the training, for conversation, for asking good questions, and for just being the sort of person who keeps showing up. Showing up publicly, sure. More importantly though, showing up to do the hard work of self-improvement. And for showing your work.
Play is a big part of our lives as children, but why do we lose our playfulness as we age? I talk a lot about the emotional and physical aspects of play, especially regarding Positive Ageing and aspects of Parkour. So many people feel like play is out of reach as they approach midlife, even though it’s an innate part of you.
Angel doesn’t write often, but when she does it’s something nice like this. I just want to say that physical movement and play are inseparable—without the former, you’re not really doing the later.
Or, perhaps I just want to say two things; That first thing, and that Angel is the film–maker who created my favorite video to share when people ask me, “what is parkour?” Movement of Three.
Actually, I want to share three things: Those two things, and Julie if you’re reading: OMG the cannoli!
We all have a duty to look after our physical health. The body is your vehicle through which your mind and spirit travel in and act through, throughout your life. We’re lucky to have abundant information, resources, and teachers to help us for caring for our body, but without personal responsibility and action, progress is left to chance. Ancient medicine taught us to be active participants of our own health, modern medicine encourages us to be passive recipients of health. We can make the best of both by placing more attention and energy on observing our body, environment, and taking daily action to create energetic surplus through moderating stress, practicing movement, good nutrition and quality rest.
I suspect that a lot of people reading my musings are already steeped in the wisdom of movement generally. It’s simply nice to find things like this on the big ‘ol Internet; A large article written by someone who’s clearly thought a lot, moved a lot, and thought a lot about moving. There’s a wonderful quote that feels parallel to this article’s sentiments:
No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training … what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which is body is capable.
A somatic approach to movement can help us get reacquainted with ourselves. This is our home base after all. It’s our guts and tissues, our thoughts and perceptions. It’s our subjective experience of life. […] When we cultivate self-awareness through movement, we come up against the boundary of self and other. We recognize that we don’t live in a vacuum.
The word “reacquainted” leapt out at me. Every time I truly pause to pay attention, I’m immediately confronted by my physical self. There’s the inevitable settling towards senescence, and frankly that doesn’t bother me. I enjoy looking back at the things I was once capable of and thinking, well, that was nice! No, the confrontation I’m talking about is the stuff that I know is my fault… and I’m not going to list physical metrics. Suffice to say: All I’d have to do it remove the stress and everything else would settle back to a wonderful baseline that I’d love to return to.
Today, a growing percentage of people find themselves alienated from any particular community, without strong bonds to any discernible group. Loneliness is on the rise. More people live alone, remain single or childless, move to new geographical locations on a regular basis, and otherwise fail to develop close ties. This is a shift that is unprecedented in human history.
My pull-quote feels pretty obvious. What’s interesting is where Parrish goes in this article. There’s a lot of research and discussion around what happens to us—mentally and physically—when we move together. It’s not simply, “hey that was fun.” There’s a durable bonding that happens when humans move together.
What are the key insights into natural movement, breathing, and how they connect to overall well-being?
MaryBeth Gangemi’s experience as a social worker has had a profound affect on how she approaches her movement practice and working with clients. She shares her own movement journey, from city to country side. MaryBeth discusses the importance of environment, breathing, and play on our ability to move well and ‘naturally.’ She unpacks her thoughts on the connections between social work and movement, as well as creating spaces accessible to all.
So you could say, is walking natural movement? […] But what if you’re walking with your head down looking at your phone, with your mouth open breathing heavy, is that? […] If we want to focus on return to nature type of idea […] how about like, really walk with posture up and look where you’re going and look around and see what’s ahead of you? […] Just not letting all of it pass you by.
~ MaryBeth Gangemi (39:34)
MaryBeth Gangemi is a breath, strength, and natural movement coach, in addition to being a wife and mother. She has certifications in many different areas, including MovNat, Kettlebells, Original Strength, and Buteyko Breathing Method. MaryBeth owns and runs Kairos Strong, where she teaches students to develop quality movement to support all areas of their life.
The conversation explores the profound relationship between natural movement, breathing, and overall well-being. Topics include the importance of posture, awareness, and incorporating nature into daily practices to foster mindfulness. Breathing techniques, such as the control pause, are discussed as vital tools for improving health and managing stress.
There’s an emphasis on rediscovering play, curiosity, and sensory experiences, like walking barefoot or engaging with different textures in the environment. The dialogue also examines the role of environment in shaping movement habits and encourages listeners to explore new activities when their current routines become monotonous or unfulfilling.
Takeaways
Breathing awareness — Understanding breathing patterns can improve oxygenation and reduce stress.
Natural movement — Everyday movements like walking and crawling can be made more mindful and enriching.
Environment’s role — The physical and social environment significantly influences movement habits.
Rediscovering play — Adults can benefit from integrating playful and exploratory elements into their routines.
Mindfulness in motion — Focusing on posture and surroundings enriches movement experiences.
Breathing practices — Simple techniques like the control pause provide tangible health benefits.
Flexibility in routines — Movement practices should be adaptable and enjoyable to sustain long-term engagement.
Even, a lot of times, those people who you’re not connecting with on a conversational level, you start moving together though— And you find a very deep connection. And now you’re moving in their world or they’re moving in yours, or whatever it is, but you found this other way to connect with somebody that you would have never known if you just worked with them or whatever the case may be.
I don’t know why I haven’t started this sooner. There’s a little daily practice that some podcasters do where they record something—anything really—simple each day. I’ve been thinking of doing that for movement.
If you’re a Movers Mindset member, I’ve put up a thread for this week and posted a little snack from this morning.
…if you’re not [a member], just go take a few minutes and do some movement.
How can connecting with nature through movement and sensory experiences improve overall well-being and personal growth?
Connecting with nature can transform your health and mindset by simply spending time outdoors without distractions.
I believe in becoming the more heroic version of yourself. Movement and nature are key.
~ Kyle Koch (6:09)
The conversation highlights the importance of reconnecting with nature and movement as pathways to physical and mental well-being. It explores how modern life often limits sensory engagement and dynamic movement, which can negatively impact health. Simple actions such as stepping outside, observing greenery, and allowing oneself to be present can lower stress and improve eyesight.
The discussion touches on how nature remains present even in urban environments, subtly integrated into cityscapes. Practices such as walking, sitting in outdoor spaces, or even engaging in Parkour within natural settings can reshape awareness and resilience. Kyle emphasizes that movement in unpredictable outdoor environments fosters adaptability and enhances physical health.
Takeaways
Movement through nature — Engaging with natural environments fosters adaptability and resilience.
Outdoor sensory experience — Simple exposure to greenery can lower stress and improve health.
Urban wildlife — Nature adapts to cityscapes, remaining present even in unexpected urban spaces.
Restoring eyesight — Looking at distant natural views can reduce nearsightedness.
Small consistent practices — Spending 15 minutes outdoors daily can yield long-term health benefits.
It certainly is an integral part of life, in general. But the vast majority of my life does not involve movement. I probably move more than the average American my age. I certainly moved a lot more in my 20s when I had a job that involved doing things. (Make this, move that, go over there, etc.) But today, movement is something that—I don’t quite have to make time for it, but I definitely have to be mindful of it. I generally plan to do something every day. Usually that’s a multi-mile walk, a leisurely bike ride, an hour wrestling with firewood, etc..
Quadrupedal Movement (QM) is a diverse collection of movements using both hands and feet on the ground to support one’s weight.
QM is almost always done using just the feet, and not the knees, since our knees are not capable of taking prolonged usage or impact. That said, there are some small-size, low-impact, movements using various surfaces of the knees, lower legs, buttocks, and thighs which integrate well with the usual hands-and-feet-only QM.
There are countless variations of QM. Many variations are physically demanding, but many are drastically easier than the more usual bipedal movements: Using a railing with your hands for balance and support as you ascend stairs, using walking sticks and canes, and “scrambling” on hands and feet up steep slopes, are all common variations of QM.
Meta: I’m retiring this series, “My Journey.” Over the years, my blog has changed a lot. In the beginning I had a lot of more random things here and I used this series as a way to highlight this aspect of my blog writing. Today, the blog itself is basically a record of my journey.
What draws people away from conventional careers and into lives centered on movement, manual labor, and holistic living?
Chris Moran discusses his unique path from personal trainer to farmer, and the relationship between movement and farming. He shares his insights on chronic pain and pain theory, as well as how his training and coaching has become deeply rooted in permaculture. Chris ends by describing his continuing passion for film making and creative projects.
Stay outside. It’s not, go outside, it’s stay outside. Should have never went in, in the first place.
~ Chris Moran (37:40)
The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from urban life and personal training to farming and manual labor. It highlights how engaging with nature and physical tasks provides fulfillment beyond traditional fitness routines. The discussion touches on the serendipitous path that led to farming, the connections made along the way, and how these experiences reshaped views on movement and training.
Key topics include the relationship between manual labor and physical movement, the philosophy of holistic farming practices like permaculture, and how immersive experiences can alter perspectives on wellness and pain. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of chronic pain, the psychological factors contributing to it, and how shifting to a lifestyle focused on play and practical tasks helped alleviate it. The conversation closes by touching on filmmaking and community building as extensions of this holistic approach.
Takeaways
The role of serendipity — Unplanned encounters and connections can lead to life-changing career shifts.
Movement in manual labor — Engaging in physical work offers a different but equally fulfilling form of movement compared to traditional training.
Parkour as a mindset — Movement practices like Parkour shape broader approaches to life, even when not practiced formally.
Pain science insights — Understanding pain through a biopsychosocial model can alter how chronic pain is managed and perceived.
Permaculture and sustainability — Farming practices rooted in sustainability and regeneration foster holistic wellness.
Community around food — Building community through shared labor and food ties people to place and each other.
Teaching through play — Guiding adults and children in play-based movement fosters deeper engagement with physical activity.
Filmmaking as storytelling — Documenting farm life through film creates a lasting record and strengthens community bonds.
Resources
Cherry Valley Cooperative — The farm where the guest lives and works, practicing permaculture and holistic wellness.
Cherry Valley Films on YouTube — Monthly videos documenting farm life and seasonal changes.
What methods can be used to foster trust, connection, and personal growth through movement-based games?
Explore how movement-based games can dissolve barriers and build trust.
In movement you have to trust— you have to trust yourself, you have to trust the objects, and to trust the others in your space.
~ Evan Beyer (6:18)
This conversation centers on the idea of using games to teach movement, break down personal barriers, and build trust among participants. The discussion highlights the progression from non-contact games to activities requiring full physical collaboration. These games are designed to ease individuals into deeper connections with others, both emotionally and physically, by fostering comfort and trust in a structured, playful manner.
The dialogue also explores the challenges of creating a universally accessible framework. It emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to cater to different individuals’ needs and comfort levels. The overarching goal is to provide tools that help participants feel safe and empowered while interacting within their communities through movement.
Takeaways
Movement-based games — Techniques that ease participants into trusting others through structured play.
Progression framework — A system that gradually increases the complexity and contact level of games.
Emotional and physical trust — The dual focus of teaching individuals to rely on themselves and others.
Adaptability in teaching — The importance of creativity and flexibility in meeting diverse participant needs.
Playful learning — The value of incorporating fun and engagement to facilitate personal growth.
Comfort through gradual exposure — Methods to guide individuals from apprehension to collaboration.
Social connection — How games can help break barriers and build a sense of community.
What lessons can we learn from integrating Parkour into structured educational settings and promoting personal growth through physical movement?
In this episode of Movers Mindset, Craig talks with Martin Kallesøe of Street Movement. They discuss Martin’s unique introduction to parkour, his thoughts on coaching, and Danish Parkour’s coffee culture. He also touches on his first experiences with the Yamakasi, as well as the history and culture of Street Movement and the International Gathering at Gerlev.
Don’t lose joy. If you lose joy in Parkour, don’t quit. Tone it down, keep doing it, but do something else a lot for a while.
~ Martin Kallesøe (37:10)
The conversation explores the transformative journey of integrating Parkour into both personal practice and educational frameworks. It begins with the guest’s early exposure to Parkour during his university years in Denmark and traces his path to co-founding Street Movement. The discussion includes the philosophical underpinnings of Parkour, emphasizing self-discovery, collaboration, and adaptability. These principles are highlighted as crucial for teaching others while maintaining the joy of practice.
Further topics include the challenges and rewards of incorporating Parkour into academic settings, such as fostering peer learning and designing flexible curricula. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of creating inclusive learning environments, the role of international connections in evolving the discipline, and the need for mindfulness in both teaching and training.
Takeaways
Teaching through collaboration — The importance of peer-to-peer learning in Parkour education.
Bringing Parkour into schools — Challenges and successes of introducing Parkour into structured educational settings.
Resilience and creativity — Using movement challenges to foster adaptability and innovative thinking.
Cultural shifts in coaching — Moving away from performance-driven goals toward intrinsic growth and curiosity.
Integrating physical disciplines — Drawing insights from other activities to keep Parkour practice fresh and joyful.
Philosophy of movement — Viewing Parkour as more than just physical practice, emphasizing life lessons and mindfulness.
Iterative development in education — Adapting teaching methods based on participant feedback and small, meaningful changes.
Resources
Movers Mindset Podcast Episode 24 — The podcast episode featuring this conversation.
Street Movement — The organization co-founded by the guest to promote Parkour and creative movement.
Yamakasi — A founding group of Parkour practitioners referenced in the discussion.
What are the deeper implications of autonomy, curiosity, and the evolving dynamics of coaching within the context of parkour and personal exploration?
In the final part of our 3-part interview with Sebastien Foucan, Craig and Seb continue to discuss his movement journey. Sebastien brings to light what he sees as his “Path To Truth.” They discuss his relationship with learning, different coaching styles, and wrap up with Sebastien’s three words.
I’m an explorer, nothing stays static. I’m still evolving.
~ Sebastien Foucan (12:30)
Sebastien Foucan reflects on his personal evolution from a disengaged student to a driven explorer, emphasizing the power of curiosity and self-directed learning. He discusses his initial struggle with traditional education and how experiences in nature reawakened his desire to learn. This rekindled curiosity led him to philosophical and scientific explorations, citing inspirations like Richard Feynman and the holistic connections between physical activity and mindfulness.
The conversation also gets into coaching philosophies, contrasting traditional methods with parkour’s unique emphasis on autonomy and individual growth. Sebastien critiques rigid coaching practices and advocates for collaborative, open exchanges of ideas to foster creativity and innovation in teaching. He explores broader themes such as artistic expression, personal resilience, and the importance of cultivating environments that encourage growth and connection.
Takeaways
Autonomy in coaching — The importance of teaching students to become independent rather than dependent on their coaches.
Curiosity as a driver — Curiosity transforms disengagement into a relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
Integration of nature — The role of nature in inspiring movement, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Holistic teaching — Effective coaching incorporates not just technique but also personal and emotional development.
Influence of inspiration — Icons like Feynman and Michael Jordan illustrate how external influences shape individual perspectives and growth.
Balance of tradition and innovation — The need for blending established methods with creative, adaptive approaches.
Philosophy in practice — Parkour becomes a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges through adaptability and persistence.
Artistic expression in movement — Movement as a visual and emotional narrative connecting physicality with creativity.
The role of community — Collaboration and shared experiences enrich both individual and collective journeys.
Resources
Richard Feynman — An influential physicist known for his ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and accessibility.
Phil Jackson’s “Sacred Hoops” — A book exploring selflessness and team dynamics, drawing from Jackson’s experiences coaching basketball.
Art of Retreat — An event dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration among parkour and movement community leaders.
First4Sport Certification — A UK-based certification program for parkour coaching, emphasizing safety and professional standards.
What unique perspectives can be gained by exploring the interplay of movement disciplines like Capoeira, Parkour, and natural movement?
Paul brings his extensive experience to bear to provide insight into Capoeira. We go on to talk about how movement itself can be a conversation, before we dig deep into the human need to experience nature as part of our lives, as well as part of our parkour practice.
You see it coming, you get out of the way.
~ Paul Graves (10:04)
The conversation begins by exploring the transformative role of Capoeira in shaping social skills and personal identity. Paul Graves shares his journey through Capoeira, detailing its cultural richness, the dynamics of the roda, and the life-altering impact of movement-based dialogues. He explains how his Capoeira nickname, identity, and eventual departure from the practice marked a profound personal shift.
Transitioning to Parkour, the discussion highlights how Paul’s movement philosophy evolved to embrace play and adaptability. He goes into Parkour’s roots in both urban and natural environments, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature to rediscover primal human movement. Themes of engagement, community, and the psychological impacts of training environments are central to understanding how movement disciplines shape both personal and collective growth.
Takeaways
Capoeira’s roda — A dynamic microcosm of life involving movement dialogue and mutual respect.
The impact of leaving Capoeira — Marked a significant identity shift and opened the door to new explorations.
Parkour’s appeal — A practice that emphasizes freedom, exploration, and connection with the environment.
Natural movement’s relevance — Returning to nature reveals deeper aspects of movement and human connection.
Philosophy of play — Play as a central concept that fosters learning and adaptability across disciplines.
Overcoming challenges — Movement practices mirror life’s obstacles and solutions.
Community dynamics in training — Engagement with others shapes the experience of growth and achievement.
Balancing structured and free movement — Combining discipline and creativity to maximize potential.
Resources
Parkour Visions — An organization focusing on Parkour education and community.
Evolve Move Play — A program exploring natural movement in outdoor environments.
Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game — A book exploring the history and philosophy of Capoeira.
Julie Angel’s Videos — Documenting movement practices like Parkour and natural movement.
Art of Retreat — A gathering for movement practitioners to explore diverse disciplines.
What steps can be taken to normalize play and movement for adults in public spaces?
Caitlin Pontrella discusses the Movement Creative, explaining its goals and vision beyond simply teaching parkour. She unpacks her thoughts on the concept of play, how it relates to parkour, and the benefits of both play and risk. Caitlin wraps up by sharing her insights into starting new projects and how to involve your community.
Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself.
~ Caitlin Pontrella (5:17)
The conversation centers on the concept of normalizing play for adults and making public spaces more engaging. Caitlin Pontrella discusses her work with the Movement Creative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering creativity, movement, and education. Projects like “movement snacks” provide subtle invitations for play in public spaces, aiming to remove the stigma associated with adult play while promoting accessibility and inclusivity. This shift can lead to a cultural transformation, encouraging adults to view movement as a natural, joyful part of life.
Topics also include the importance of risk in play, the concept of Parkour vision, and how it changes perceptions of urban environments. Caitlin emphasizes the value of partnerships and community engagement when implementing ideas to enhance public spaces. She shares examples of playful initiatives, such as “mice on Main,” which successfully create a sense of wonder and interaction within cities. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of play and movement to enrich personal and communal experiences.
Takeaways
Creating playful invitations in public spaces — Movement snacks subtly encourage people to interact with their environment and rediscover the joy of play.
Normalizing adult play — By modeling playful behavior in public, adults can give others implicit permission to participate.
Balancing perceptions of risk — Understanding that risk is a choice and part of growth can reshape how communities design play-friendly spaces.
Reimagining urban spaces — Concepts like Parkour vision help people view cities as opportunities for exploration and self-expression.
Engaging communities — Collaborating with local groups and governments is crucial for implementing playful, impactful public initiatives.
Play as a universal language — Movement and play transcend cultural and social barriers, fostering connection and belonging.
Small projects, big impact — Low-budget initiatives, like scavenger hunts or playful signage, can inspire significant community engagement.
Shifting cultural mindsets — Encouraging creativity and play challenges the competitive, achievement-driven focus of modern life.
Resources
The Movement Creative — A social enterprise promoting movement, education, and design through playful initiatives.
Love Where You Live by Peter Kageyama — A book about using play to activate and engage communities.
Mice on Main — A playful public art project in Greenville, South Carolina, encouraging exploration and interaction.
Walk Your City — A project using signage to promote walking and community engagement.
If you’re not strong enough or flexible enough to do the things you love, you absolutely need to spend time working on that. But for well-rounded physical performance–not to mention the ability to apply the strength, mobility, and conditioning you’re building–it’s important to work on your motor control and coordination as well.
Flexibility/range-of-motion, strength, and coordination are the big three components of healthy movement [in my opinion]. This is a great article about coordination, complex motor skills, and (inadvertently) helps explain a lot of why I love Parkour.
