It’s been six years since I started recording conversations for Movers Mindset. I’ve finally (after talking about it for years) gotten around to creating a Movers Mindset daily email of bite-sized things from all the 150+ podcast episodes. I have an enormous pile of episode summaries, quotes from the guests, their answers to the 3-word-questions, a few articles, choice bits from transcripts…
Fun, inspiring, and educational, the daily email makes it easy to explore Movers Mindset. It also includes a notification about new episodes, which is handy if you don’t want to subscribe, but still want to know who’s on the show so you can grab just the episodes that interest you.
What are the goals, challenges, and experiences shaping the Women’s Parkour Movement (WPKM) and its annual gatherings?
Volunteer organizers reflect on the balance between leadership, inclusion, and community building in parkour.
For me, the women’s parkour movement space is much, much more about the feeling of being accepted and valued for what it is and who it is that you are and whatever you’re bringing to the table.
~ Alice Popejoy (26:45)
Whether parkour companies are sharing more female movement because of guilt or social pressure, the fact that it’s happening and we’re seeing more of it is a good thing.
~ Gabby St. Martin (43:08)
The conversation focuses on the Women’s Parkour Movement (WPKM) organization, emphasizing the need for safe, empowering spaces for women and non-binary individuals in parkour. Gabby, Adrienne and Alice discuss the origins, leadership transitions, and ethos of the annual gatherings, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity, play, and body positivity. They share personal stories of discovering parkour and finding strength and community within women-centered spaces.
Challenges like representation, leadership diversity, and societal biases are explored, alongside positive trends in visibility and inclusion. The discussion touches on the broader implications of creating platforms that amplify underrepresented voices, with reflections on the impact of movements like “#MeToo” and strategies to build empathetic, inclusive communities.
Takeaways
Creating women-focused parkour spaces — fosters empowerment and community building.
Importance of inclusivity — ensuring spaces welcome women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups.
Volunteer leadership — highlights the dedication and personal sacrifices of organizers.
Play and creativity — emphasized as key elements of parkour practice in these spaces.
Challenges of representation — ongoing efforts are needed to improve visibility and leadership diversity.
Cultural shifts in parkour — moving toward valuing diverse styles beyond power and strength.
Addressing gender-based issues — from biases in coaching to ethical challenges in leadership.
The role of social media — visibility for women in parkour is increasing but requires further equity.
What insights can be gained from exploring human movement, physics, and juggling in weightlessness?
Adam Dipert is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Physics at North Carolina State University and has wowed audiences as a professional circus performer for nearly twenty years. He started studying human movement in weightlessness in preparation for his first parabolic flight in 2016, and since then he has logged countless hours exploring the frontiers of microgravity flow in pools, aerial harnesses, flotation tanks, wind tunnels, and airplanes. In addition to developing a new suite of dance moves for outer space, he has exercised remarkable restraint not asking NASA for permission to spin fire on the ISS.
And you’ve become only eyes, because you now no longer have a way of sensing where your body is. And not only do you only become eyes, but you’re also experiencing tunnel vision. And so when you enter weightlessness, and start to develop the skills which will be necessary to become a competent movement artist in that environment, you have to first figure out how to re inhabit your body and how to come back from just being eyes and realize that you have a head and find out where your arms are, and have some idea about where your arm is, say when it’s behind your back because, you know, right now on Earth, probably everybody listening to this is on earth, waving your arm. Yeah, you put your arm behind your back and and what is it that tells you where your arm is? It’s the tension in your shoulder, right? It’s the torque in your arm, elbow. It’s a lot of things that are all gravitationally oriented. And so you have to come with a totally new set of skills.
~ Adam Dipert (16:55)
This episode is far out, and far ranging. Adam and I managed to coordinate a recording session with little advanced notice… and then we proceeded to go wide and deep on circus stuff, juggling, physics, mathematics, and movement in weightlessness.
Since I clearly cannot cram the visuals into the audio, you simply must float over to Adam’s web site: TheSpaceJuggler.com
The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of human movement and artistic expression in microgravity. One key topic is the disconnection from conventional proprioception in zero gravity, requiring innovative methods to reorient oneself and move effectively. The discussion also covers the physics of rotations and how understanding moments of inertia can inform both practical and artistic endeavors, like juggling in altered environments.
Another important focus is how altered environments like space could fundamentally change our understanding of what it means to be human. Insights about the adaptability of the human body, new forms of artistic expression, and philosophical reflections on perspective and truth highlight the broader implications of this work. The conversation also touches on the importance of preparing humanity for future space exploration, emphasizing the potential for cultural and intellectual growth through such endeavors.
Takeaways
Human proprioception in weightlessness — The experience of zero gravity requires a complete relearning of body orientation and movement.
Rotational dynamics in microgravity — Understanding how the human body rotates in space helps develop both practical movement skills and new artistic expressions.
Integration of physics and art — Combining physics with creative disciplines like juggling leads to innovative insights and applications.
Space as a proving ground — Microgravity environments challenge and expand human understanding of movement and adaptation.
Embodied cognition and ethics — Exploration of movement in space raises questions about how gravitational experiences shape human cognition and morality.
Philosophical dualities — Weightlessness provides a powerful metaphor for understanding multiple truths from different perspectives.
Preparation for space exploration — Analog environments are essential for developing skills and knowledge before venturing into true microgravity.
Resources
The Space Juggler — Adam’s official website showcasing his projects, videos, and information about space juggling.
There was, however, a big difference between what he did and what we “real movers” were doing. The baseball player did not perform this moment just to perform it. The player did it to solve the problem of having to catch a screeching line drive, probably traveling over 100 mph. He then rapidly returned to a strong throwing position and volleyed that ball to first base. His movement solved a problem, and a very difficult one at that.
A blog post from Kelley is more rare than his Evolve Move Play podcast. He’s definitely someone whose ideas resonate with me. His through-line, not just in this article but in all of his more recent work, is definitely the right way to look at things. I like the phrase “fit for purpose” and that’s a line of enquiry Kelley is often chasing down.
What does it mean – “having a practice”? It is a very vague definition that can be used in many ways and can mean many things. As well as it can mean nothing at all, just referring to smoke and mirrors. The straightforward notion of “practice” in itself entails being involved in a process, repeatedly engaging in an activity with the end goal of achieving mastery in something. It can be both an empty description of a habit or it can be a phenomenon that fills human life with meaning.
I’ve often mentioned the power of asking movement enthusiasts for, “three words to describe your practice?” The power of my question comes both from the difficulty in summarizing and from the difficulty in describing one’s practice. And yes, I’ve made a note to see if I can get around to talking with Bezuglova on the Movers Mindset podcast.
How does the process of reflection and self-improvement shape personal growth and teaching methodologies?
Alan Tran is a parkour coach and collaborator from Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s the founder of Enso Movement and is a director for both the Art of Retreat and the United States Parkour Association. Alan continues to serve the parkour and movement community through active service and outreach.
I carved out the space to de-evolve and reinvent myself. In many ways, it wasn’t intentional by any means, at the start of my personal practices. But in many ways, it was a way for me to redefine who I was, who I wanted to be, and where my work would lead to.
~ Alan Tran (29:36)
The discussion weaves through themes of reflection, journaling, and the impact of vulnerability on personal growth and teaching. Through daily journaling practices, the importance of documenting emotions, achievements, and challenges emerges as a way to identify growth and patterns over time. Cultural connections, like the preservation of family history through photography, also highlight how past experiences inform one’s values and identity.
The conversation also explores innovative teaching techniques inspired by training a dog using communication buttons. This segues into reflections on coaching methodologies, the value of structured progressions, and how spontaneity plays a role in both teaching and personal development. By examining challenges like preparing for workshops under time constraints and balancing intuition with structure, the dialogue emphasizes growth through experimentation and self-awareness.
Takeaways
Reflection as a practice — Journaling and revisiting past thoughts help in recognizing personal growth and emotional patterns.
Cultural connections — Family stories and historical documentation preserve identity and values across generations.
Coaching methodologies — Structured progressions and spontaneity are key elements in effective teaching.
Experimentation and intuition — Creativity and growth often stem from embracing failure and learning under pressure.
The role of vulnerability — Being authentic and open fosters meaningful interactions and personal development.
How does play and movement intersect with personal growth, mental health, and the practice of Parkour?
Exploring how Parkour connects to mental health and play reveals deep personal insights.
It’s all about play. And I think that making— I love strengthening and I love building— you know, physical capacity. But in the end, that’s just a couple of stepping stones towards building people’s ability to play.
~ Kel Glaister (6:46)
The discussion opens with reflections on the influence of animals, like Kel’s dog, on humility and how they bring perspective to human movement practice. The conversation then expands to explore the cultural and environmental factors shaping Parkour, emphasizing the unique styles and strengths fostered by different regions. There’s an emphasis on how community and environmental context influence the practice.
Kel shares personal insights about the role of play in movement and the transition from self-critical motivations to a more compassionate approach. Craig and Kel discuss the impact of mental health struggles and how this shaped their training philosophy, shifting focus toward longevity and joy in movement. The role of organizations like Parkour Earth is also examined, highlighting the importance of global representation and grassroots involvement in shaping the future of the discipline.
Takeaways
Nonhuman animals in movement — They provide perspective and humility to human practice.
Cultural and environmental influence — Regional differences shape distinct movement styles in Parkour.
Play as a foundation — Movement should be guided by joy and curiosity, not just performance.
Mental health and movement — Training can transition from self-loathing to self-compassion.
Role of global organizations — Community engagement is crucial for creating representative bodies.
Training longevity — A sustainable approach balances physical and emotional well-being.
The role of ambassadors — Advocacy and representation strengthen global networks in Parkour.
Resources
Parkour Earth — An international body aiming to represent and advocate for the Parkour community globally.
What drives personal growth and the mindset necessary to embrace challenges in physical and mental practices?
A journey of self-improvement unfolds through insights on goal-setting, risk assessment, and personal evolution.
Through parkour, I’ve been able to open up my perspective on life a ton and it’s created so many different opportunities.
~ Seth Ruji (20:04)
The conversation centers on personal growth, emphasizing mental and physical discipline. Topics include the importance of structured training plans, the mindset needed to assess and embrace risks, and the influence of high-stakes challenges on personal development. Seth highlights how parkour fosters self-awareness, teaching individuals to recognize his limits and set realistic, achievable goals.
The discussion also explores broader life themes, such as balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being, maintaining discipline amidst challenges, and the joy of continuous improvement. Insights are drawn from parkour and professional experiences, underscoring the interplay between mental resilience and physical achievement.
Takeaways
Luck and preparation — Success often arises from seizing opportunities through meticulous preparation.
Self-identified risk — Parkour teaches recognizing and respecting personal limits to improve safely.
Goal flexibility — Goals should be ambitious but adjustable to maintain growth and motivation.
Balancing roles — Managing competing priorities like professional work and personal interests is essential for sustainable success.
Mindset evolution — Personal and professional experiences contribute to a broader perspective on life and goals.
Continuous learning — Breaking down challenges into smaller, manageable steps aids consistent progress.
Resources
Swift Movement Studio — A parkour and movement training facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Now Habit — A book on overcoming procrastination through practical strategies for effective goal setting.
What are the challenges and opportunities in advancing Parkour as a sport, a community activity, and a professional field?
The conversation explores the evolution of Parkour and its integration into schools and professional spaces.
The idea is we want a place that they can be creative, and not just be forced to do [movement] by the book. Maybe they could build stuff, maybe they can make new challenges.
~ Robbie Corbett (1:24)
The discussion begins with reflections on the creation of a pop-up Parkour playground tailored for schools. Emphasis is placed on designing spaces that encourage creativity and adaptability, offering both basic and advanced challenges. Robbie shares experiences working with equipment manufacturers and schools, highlighting the importance of lesson plans and collaborative design to maximize the utility of these spaces.
The conversation then shifts to broader topics, such as the evolution of Parkour as a sport and its interaction with other industries like film, Ninja Warrior, and tag. Challenges include appropriation of Parkour concepts without acknowledgment and competition from larger organizations like FIG. Despite these issues, the conversation recognizes the diversity and creativity within the Parkour community, showcasing its potential to innovate through unique events and grassroots gatherings.
Takeaways
Designing adaptable spaces — School playgrounds and pop-up structures can encourage creative movement and multi-age participation.
Challenges in recognition — Parkour faces appropriation from industries and organizations, hindering its independent growth.
Opportunities in collaboration — Collaboration with schools and communities can enhance Parkour’s accessibility and value.
Creativity in competition — Events like jams and non-traditional gatherings showcase the sport’s diversity.
The struggle with governance — FIG’s control over competitions creates barriers for Parkour’s self-regulated development.
Community engagement — Bridging small, insular groups could foster a more unified and collaborative environment.
The journey from New Jersey to Asheville reveals how a Parkour athlete reshaped his movement training in the wilderness.
Ryan Mallon is a parkour athlete, coach, rock climber, and general outdoorsman. His personal journey includes being an American Parkour sponsored athlete, and an APK ambassador. He’s coached state champion and regional-placing gymnasts, and has competed in World Chase Tag USA. More recently, Ryan spends much of his time in the beautiful mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina, hiking, climbing, and photographing nature.
[Impact is a complicated subject.] I think the best way I can whittle that down—and I think a lot of people tend to agree with this—is bringing things to the public attention always is a double edged sword. […] The more places people know about, and can spread out to, will lessen impact in a singular spot.
~ Ryan Mallon (30:00)
The conversation explores how movement disciplines like Parkour can integrate with natural landscapes. Starting from structured training in a gym, the discussion transitions to adapting techniques for outdoor environments, particularly in North Carolina’s mountainous regions. Topics include the creative process of identifying and utilizing natural challenges for training and the unique perspective gained from exploring untouched environments.
It also touches on ecological concerns and the impact of human activity on natural spaces. Ryan emphasizes a balance between sharing access to beautiful, lesser-known locations and ensuring minimal ecological disruption. Discussions about coaching and community-building underline the value of teaching methodologies that empower others while cultivating personal growth through exploration.
Takeaways
The adaptability of Parkour — Techniques evolve from structured environments to embrace natural challenges.
Coaching as a skill — The ability to break down movements to foundational levels is key to being an effective coach.
Integrating outdoor exploration — Wilderness exploration can serve as a dynamic training ground, blending movement disciplines with nature.
Ecological awareness — Balancing public access with conservation is critical in managing natural spaces responsibly.
Personal evolution through movement — Training in nature fosters growth, creativity, and resilience.
Building community — Combining technical skills and shared experiences strengthens connections among practitioners.
What role does problem-solving and creativity play in the intersection of programming, parkour, and personal growth?
The discussion reveals how creativity and self-discipline shape one’s approach to challenges in life and movement.
Sometimes the right thing to do is to walk away from the problem or to recognize that it’s not the right time or you’re not in the right place for it.
~ James Adams (14:39)
The conversation explores the intersection of programming, parkour, and personal growth, highlighting the common thread of problem-solving. A discussion unfolds about how programming serves as a versatile tool, akin to a multipurpose screwdriver, allowing for efficiency and creativity in tackling challenges. This framework extends to parkour, where physical and mental obstacles mirror problem-solving in technical domains.
The social dynamics of parkour play a significant role in fostering confidence and personal development. The practice’s non-competitive, collaborative nature offers opportunities for self-improvement and resilience. Topics of balance and burnout emerge, with reflections on the importance of stepping back when challenges become overwhelming. Additionally, James shares insights into his Parkour Clinic project, which provides free sports therapy consultations, blending his technical expertise and passion for movement.
Takeaways
Programming as a tool — Provides efficiency and a creative outlet for problem-solving.
Social aspects of parkour — Enhances confidence and creates a supportive community.
Importance of stepping back — Recognizing when to pause instead of pushing forward on challenges.
Combining interests — Merging technical skills and physical movement to create unique solutions.
Parkour’s mental impact — Encourages resilience and a problem-solving mindset in both physical and abstract contexts.
Non-competitive environments — Cultivates collaboration and individual growth.
How do personal exploration, creativity, and cultural influences shape movement practices and artistic endeavors?
Christian Anderson is a parkour coach, athlete, teacher, martial artist, and movement artist. He created his own parkour teaching program, pursues weapons training, and is an artist in other mediums, including drawing, music, videos, and blade-smithing. Christian earned his bachelors in Landscape architecture at North Carolina A&T University.
You don’t have to tell a kid to play, to jump to climb. There’s a lot of innate understanding of movement that I think children have, to be completely honest.
~ Christian Anderson (28:59)
Christian Anderson’s unique interests are wide-ranging; from martial arts and weapons training, to parkour, to art, to creating his own weapons and training set-ups. Christian shares his inspirations and process for learning and creating. He discusses teaching, landscape architecture, and his specific influences and role models. Christian unpacks his personal martial arts, weapons, and movement practices, and how all of them are creatively interconnected.
The conversation explores how personal creativity, cultural influences, and movement intersect in both art and physical practices. Topics range from martial arts and weapon-making to how imagination facilitates movement, particularly in children. The discussion highlights the importance of personal space creation, whether for training or as a sanctuary, and how integrating these elements into daily life fosters growth.
There is a deep appreciation for cultural artifacts, such as samurai films and ninjutsu, which serve as both inspiration and a means to connect with broader traditions. Additionally, the dialogue touches on the challenges of prioritizing projects, maintaining focus, and overcoming impostor syndrome, illustrating the complexity of creative expression and personal exploration.
Takeaways
Creating personal spaces — Spaces designed for training or reflection enhance creativity and personal growth.
Martial arts inspiration — Movement practices often draw from cultural traditions and historical arts.
Childhood creativity — Imagination and play significantly aid learning and physical development.
Overcoming impostor syndrome — Acknowledging and embracing imperfections is key to creative growth.
Interdisciplinary practices — Combining artistic and physical endeavors fosters innovation.
Environmental influence — Nature and green spaces serve as restorative environments for recharging.
Visual motivation — Visual aids and imagery act as powerful tools for focus and inspiration.
Cultural connections — Martial arts offer a window into understanding and appreciating different cultures.
How does movement influence personal change and adaptability in life?
Movement evolves from a tool for improvement to a means of adapting to life’s challenges.
I think that when I started doing Parkour, the movement was a kind of like— it was constant exploration. […] But as more time has gone, I started to feel that that change isn’t just trying to improve. [It’s] more to adapt on how you can perform? Or how would— How do you see a challenge? Or how do you process a challenge?
~ Janne Laurila (1:47)
The conversation explores how movement intertwines with personal growth, adaptability, and energy management. Starting with parkour as a way of improvement, Janne shares his journey of evolving to see movement as a tool for adaptation rather than mere enhancement. Factors such as physical energy, time management, and life changes, like raising children, shape his relationship with movement.
Living in Finland adds layers to this experience, with long periods of light and dark influencing mood and activity. Balancing responsibilities as a parent, entrepreneur, and student while managing ADHD highlights the challenges of maintaining schedules and finding moments of recharge. The conversation concludes with reflections on compassion, curiosity, and the acceptance of being incomplete as guiding principles.
Takeaways
Change and movement — How parkour shifts from improvement-focused to adaptation-oriented.
Energy and time management — Balancing energy and available time in a demanding schedule.
Impact of light cycles — Navigating the challenges of extreme light and darkness in Finland.
ADHD and scheduling — The difficulty of adhering to schedules despite careful planning.
Family integration — Using Pokémon Go as a way to bond with children and stay active.
Self-compassion — Recognizing the importance of being kind to oneself amid life’s chaos.
Continuous growth — Embracing curiosity and the idea of being incomplete as motivations.
Resources
Daniel Vitalis — A podcaster discussing movement as nutrition.
Pokémon Go — A mobile game blending outdoor exploration with technology.
How is Parkour evolving as a practice and community in New York City and beyond?
New York City’s architecture naturally creates countless Parkour challenges waiting to be discovered.
The way that these kids will surpass us one day is going to be amazing.
~ Bryce Clarke (8:48)
The conversation explores the evolution of Parkour as both a practice and a community in New York City. Bryce reflects on how the city’s architecture and public spaces, including playgrounds and scaffolding, provide natural challenges for practitioners. He highlights how grassroots initiatives like Parkour NYC aim to foster community engagement, create awareness, and secure dedicated spaces for training. This effort has led to the development of new Parkour parks and increased recognition of the discipline.
The discussion also touches on the generational progression in Parkour, noting that younger practitioners are starting earlier and achieving greater proficiency. There is optimism that normalization will create opportunities, such as coaching careers and safer training environments. Despite commercialization, the essence of Parkour as an exploratory and inclusive activity remains intact, fueled by shared passion and innovation within the community.
Takeaways
Public spaces in NYC — The city’s condensed layout and diverse architecture provide countless Parkour opportunities.
Parkour NYC initiative — Aims to create awareness and promote community-driven growth.
Youth progression — Young practitioners starting earlier are advancing the discipline’s potential.
Normalization of Parkour — Growing acceptance leads to more resources and opportunities.
Community-driven parks — Dedicated spaces signify progress in public perception.
Coaching opportunities — Normalization opens pathways for careers in Parkour instruction.
Cultural authenticity — Despite commercialization, the core spirit of Parkour persists.
Intergenerational growth — Established practitioners continue to inspire and train.
Resources
Lapset Parkour Park — A newly developed Parkour park in the Upper West Side of NYC.
Parkour NYC — A grassroots organization promoting the Parkour community in New York City.
How can physical therapy integrate empathy, precision, and awareness to improve patient outcomes?
Movement becomes a gateway to understanding the human experience in this exploration of therapy and wellness.
Curiosity, awareness, and precision are things I think about every single day in my life.
~ Phil Lombardo (21:55)
The conversation navigates the transformative potential of empathy, precision, and awareness in physical therapy. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging patients’ emotions to alleviate stress, improve outcomes, and foster genuine connections. Specific strategies, such as naming emotions and creating resonant interactions, underline how interpersonal dynamics shape the healing process.
Movement is discussed as a critical therapeutic tool, with special attention to the role of the feet. Suggestions for barefoot movement and engaging in balance-focused exercises highlight the untapped potential of proprioception and body awareness. Practical applications of movement therapies, such as the use of tools like two-by-fours, further contextualize the ideas shared.
Takeaways
Curiosity in therapy — Drives deeper connections and understanding between practitioner and patient.
Awareness as a practice — Essential for addressing both physical and emotional facets of healing.
Empathy in medicine — Encourages patient compliance and improves therapeutic outcomes.
Role of the feet — Highlighted as underutilized but vital for balance and movement.
Movement tools — Simple tools like two-by-fours provide accessible ways to enhance balance and proprioception.
Emotional naming — Shown to significantly reduce stress and inflammation.
Precision in care — Critical for tailoring effective therapeutic interventions.
Professional humility — Emphasized as key to continuous learning and better patient care.
How can Olympic weightlifting enhance performance and longevity in Parkour practice?
Technical movements in weightlifting unlock unexpected benefits for Parkour athletes.
A lot of people think like, Oh, I’m just gonna push as hard as I can and, you know, get this bar overhead and basically muscle it. And there’s a lot of danger in that, right? Because there’s not a lot of thought behind it. If you try to muscle something, you’ll only get to a certain point without technique, and kind of the same thing goes for Parkour as well.
~ Joseph Rizzo (2:43)
The conversation explores the intricate relationship between Olympic weightlifting and Parkour, emphasizing the technical nature of both practices. The discussion begins with an explanation of the complexity and precision involved in Olympic lifts such as the snatch and clean and jerk. These dynamic movements are contrasted with static lifts like the squat and bench press, underscoring how technical proficiency can prevent injury and enhance performance in both weightlifting and Parkour.
Another major topic is the carryover between the two disciplines. Weightlifting’s emphasis on explosiveness, shock absorption, and stability has direct applications to Parkour, particularly in reducing impact-related injuries and improving landings. The conversation also touches on how weightlifting reveals imbalances in the body, enabling athletes to address weaknesses and enhance longevity. Joseph explains how technical focus during training—starting with light weights and emphasizing form—can help Parkour practitioners gain strength and resilience.
Takeaways
The complexity of Olympic weightlifting — It requires precise techniques to safely and effectively execute movements like the snatch and clean and jerk.
Impact absorption in Parkour — Weightlifting develops the ability to handle forces several times one’s body weight, improving landing techniques.
Revealing and correcting imbalances — Weightlifting highlights physical imbalances that Parkour alone might not expose.
Complementary training — Weightlifting reduces the frequency of Parkour practice needed to maintain a high level of performance.
Barriers to adoption — Many Parkour practitioners view weightlifting as overly technical and time-intensive.
Longevity through strength — Developing connective tissue strength and joint stability through weightlifting extends training careers.
Programming for beginners — Focusing on technical proficiency during the initial phases of weightlifting ensures safety and skill transferability.
Holistic benefits — Olympic weightlifting offers both physical and mental gains, such as confidence and discipline, that translate into Parkour training.
How does practicing contortion influence mental calmness and overall life perspective?
Contortion is not just about physical flexibility but a mental practice of finding calmness.
The only way to do it, was to be calm. You can’t— It’s physically impossible to do it anxious. There’s just no way. So you have to [find] calmness or… or nothing.
~ Tori Kubick (11:33)
The conversation explores the transformative aspects of contortion, emphasizing how the practice fosters mental calmness alongside physical flexibility. Tori shares how she transitioned into contortion as an adult and describes it as a discipline that connects mind and body. She highlights the need for internal calmness, which allows practitioners to push beyond perceived physical and mental limits.
Other topics include the parallels between contortion and problem-solving in other movement practices, such as parkour and aerial arts. Tori discusses the importance of strength complementing flexibility and explains how contortion helps practitioners discover new ways to navigate challenges, both physically and mentally. The conversation also touches on the introverted nature of many contortionists and the rare sense of community they share.
Takeaways
Courage in movement — The willingness to challenge oneself physically and mentally is essential for growth.
Calmness as a necessity — Contortion requires a deep state of calmness to achieve its intricate movements.
Physical and mental synergy — Practicing contortion merges physical effort with mental focus.
Adapting perspectives — Observing challenges from different angles can reveal solutions.
Strength paired with flexibility — Building both attributes in balance leads to greater movement capacity.
Impact on everyday life — Lessons from contortion apply to real-world challenges like stress management.
Shared practices — Contortion creates connections among its niche community of practitioners.
Misconceptions about contortion — Many people wrongly view it as solely innate or purely aesthetic.
How has participation in World Chase Tag and related activities influenced the personal training practices, community dynamics, and professional development of its participants?
World Chase Tag is transforming the perception of traditional playground games into a high-stakes global sport.
It definitely feels like it feels like 3D Chess, but just at a very rapid pace, just because of that other individual in you, you will get feedback from them, regardless of what they do.
~ Frank Mejia (6:53)
The conversation explores the evolution of World Chase Tag (WCT) as a burgeoning professional sport and its impact on participants. The discussion highlights how WCT has shifted from casual beginnings to a structured and competitive framework, requiring athletes to qualify and adopt advanced training regimens. This transformation has made WCT a unique intersection of traditional playground games and professional athletics.
Another focus is on the interplay of individual and community dynamics. Frank describes how engaging in such sports fosters creativity, camaraderie, and personal growth. The conversation also goes into the mental and physical challenges of maintaining focus and adaptability in high-intensity environments, as well as the broader implications of competitive tag on the Parkour community.
Takeaways
World Chase Tag as a professional sport — An evolution from casual games to competitive global events.
Parkour’s role in WCT — How foundational Parkour techniques are adapted for competitive tag.
Training adaptations — Shifting from power-focused to reactive and dynamic movements.
Community influence — How competitive events inspire collaboration and cultural exchange.
Mental challenges in competition — Balancing focus, strategy, and flow states under pressure.
Cultural impact of WCT — Bridging playground games with professional athletics.
What motivates and shapes the approaches and philosophies of movement practitioners in how they train, coach, and engage with spaces?
Designing obstacles and spaces inspires exploration and unique physical expression.
It’s just a more, sort of complicated way of, hanging out with your friends and playing with blocks when you’re a little kid.
~ Nick Anastasia (21:10)
The conversation explores the philosophy and practice of movement through structured play, improvisation, and coaching. Nick reflects on his evolution from exploring movement instinctively to intentionally designing spaces and challenges that inspire others. By creating unique and engaging setups, he aims to foster creativity and adaptability in movement.
Topics include the contrast between indoor and outdoor training spaces, with built environments offering dense opportunities for creativity and flow, while outdoor environments encourage exploration and adaptability. Improvisation plays a crucial role, with games and unstructured activities helping practitioners engage with their surroundings in new ways. Coaching philosophies emphasize introspection and learning, not just for the student but also for the instructor.
Takeaways
Movement in dense indoor setups — enables continuous exploration with minimal steps between challenges.
Outdoor training spaces — encourage discovery and adaptation to changing environments.
Improvisation in movement — develops adaptability and creativity in both planned and reactionary scenarios.
Coaching methodologies — focus on fostering individual growth and introspection for both students and instructors.
Space design and construction — inspire movement by offering unique challenges and creative opportunities.
Play as a philosophy — serves as a foundation for exploring movement, creativity, and collaboration.
The role of discovery — highlights the evolving nature of how practitioners see and use their environment.
Resources
The Movement Creative — A Parkour organization hosting events like Move NYC, focusing on creative and adaptive movement.
Parkour Generations Boston — A community that trains and coaches Parkour with temporary and permanent setups in Boston.
Harvard Square (Boston) — A location used for varied outdoor Parkour classes and exploration.
American Rendezvous — An annual Parkour event mentioned as an example of discovering changing training spots.
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.