The linear training paradox(how playing completely changed my body)

I’ve trained very linearly in the past, where I never felt fulfilled.

It felt more like a checkbox I had to complete instead of actually enjoying and learning from my body.

By doing so it was very aesthetically focused.

This means growing in size, eating protein-rich, and trying to get as 'strong' as possible. But that’s not real strength.

That’s what I learned when I started with movement.

The linear training paradox

90% of the population is using 10% of their physical capacity.

The development in the fitness industry is a good one. More and more people are trying to have some sort of workout routine at least.

We all know that moving the body is healthy.

I don't have to tell you that.

What I have to tell you is you are limiting yourself in how you train.

In this laptop-body age, we have prioritized aesthetics over function.

This immensely affects how we move or train:

• Training feels like checking off boxes

• How we look has become an obsession

• Our self-image is damaged

• Lose touch with our ability to play

• High increase in injuries long-term

We adhere to a standard where looking weird is our biggest enemy.

But by neglecting what others might think of us we can grow.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

That looks weird

‘Tim you do weird kind of movements.'

If I got a nickel for every time I heard that one. I still wouldn't be rich but would be on my way.

But that's how people work.

It is the reason why it is hard to train differently. If you go to a gym 80% of the people are doing the same.

So what do you do?

You'll probably do the same.

Why?

You want to fit in.

You don't want to be the weird person.

So you'll try a workout program for a month, 3 times a week. And it is boring as hell.

So you quit.

But what if there is a way to open a magic box that allows you to feel more in sync when you move?

I will show it to you.

Real strength

In reality, real strength is not only visible in force. It has other components as well.

Strength also flows in

But the highest form of strength lies in your ability to solve movement riddles as we like to call them.

Dexterity.

A.K.A. Movement IQ.

The body is far more complex than we think, but at the same time, we can use that complexity.

If we use our bodies more dynamically we unlock a hidden treasure.

The treasure of play.

This results in many things:

• Increase in movement IQ

• Increase in general IQ

• Access to deep play

• Building lateral connections in the body

• Being in touch with our inner child

• Stronger limbs and muscles

• Increase in flexibility and mobility

But Tim you say dynamical, what do you mean?

Good question.

With more dynamic movement I mean using more of the body at the same time.

So you mean a total body workout?

No, I don't.

I mean movements that confuse you, whilst at the same time emphasizing using the whole body.

Still a bit confused?

Don't worry.

I will show you some movements in just a sec.

But before I want to zoom in on the element of play in movement.

Because it is one of the greatest features that we have.

More play

We have fun in life, but we don’t have fun with our bodies.

Okay, this sounds a bit weird, but it’s true.

We’re not exploring the depth of our movement.

We’re not having fun.

When we were kids it was totally different. We crawled, we jumped, we hang upside down, we climb, we rolled, and we touched. We also played a lot of games.

This playful element is not only essential for our creativity and well-being, but also for our bodies.

Our body craves play when we move.

Luckily you can start today.

How?

Implement these 5 locomotion drills in your routines.

Locomotion drills

To locomote means to go from point a to point b through space.

Some years ago a new concept was introduced by Ido Portal. Here he combined and invented many movements from different disciplines.

One of them was locomotive conditioning.

These drills not only challenge how your body operates but also your thinking.

I know, that's freaking cool.

By doing so you'll feel much more alive and enter a playful mode.

Let's dive in.

1) Lizard crawl

This is one of my favorites.

Why?

It looks cool as fuck.

But it is also a very complex movement requiring much motor control.

Start with the easiest progression and work your way up until that hardest version.

You want to be able to hit 3 sets of 5 reps on each side. Aim for 60-sec rest between sets.

2) Mr. Tikki Tikki

Sometimes the juice is hidden.

This is the case for the Mr. Tikki Tikki drill.

You're moving on all fours through space while constantly adjusting your posture.

This constant regaining of your stability forces you to think about how you distribute your weight.

Focus on going forward, backward, right en left before you mix it up.

10 steps forwards
10 steps backward
10 steps left
10 steps right

Do this for 3 sets. Aim for 60-sec rest between sets.

If you still have some juice in the tank go in all directions.

After this, you never want to do planks again.

Because your body has been upgraded.

3) Roulet

The body is a vehicle of flow.

And the roulêt embodies this perfectly.

Looking at the roulêt stems for the capoeira scene.

It allows you go to very fluidly from one point to another point.

You're using your body in various ways here.

• Strength & mobility in the shoulders

• Being in a passive squat

• Coordination

• Proprioception

Proprioception means knowing where your body is in space. E.g. close your eyes and you still know where your right arm is. That's proprioception.

Aim for 10 reps in total and repeat it for 3 sets. Again take 60 seconds of rest between sets.

This is not easy. Probably you're confused in the beginning.

That's where you want to be.

That's where you learn.

Embrace it and face it.

4) Bear walk

Our laptop bodies are killing our mobility.

If mobility was a battery, society is currently at 50%.

Horrible right?

This drill will help you bring that % up.

And who doesn't want to be a big bear?

Focus on straightening the legs as much as possible.

Aim for 10 reps in total and repeat it for 3 sets. Again take 60 seconds of rest between sets.

You might feel sensations in the shoulders and hamstrings.

That's okay. Allow it. Feel it. Observe it.

Do this 2-3 times a week and you're body starts to feel differently.

You will want to play more. As a bear.

That's the zone you'll want to be in.

It'll change you.

5) Hop-over

We’ve opened the can dynamic movements.

This one has some similarities with the roulêt.

You'll again transition from one point to another point.

Instead, you're using a little hop to transition.

Kids often do this movement as well.

So you're moving like a kid and feel like a kid.

Cool uh!

Do 5 reps on one side and then switch sides. Repeat this for 3 sets where you rest for 60 seconds.

For all you daredevils out there you might be thinking:

‘Can I combine the roulêt and the hop-over?’

What do you think...

Of course.

I would encourage you to do so.

The more you play the easier it is to keep doing.

Confused

I know that you might be full of questions.

That's good. Very good actually.

When you are going to try these drills out you might feel some sensations. This is because you're in unusual positions.

That's also good.

Pick a pen and paper and just write down your thoughts during and after the drills.

By writing you’re building a better understanding between you and your body.

To summarize

• The linear training paradox

• Looking weird is the enemy of movement

• Real strength

• More play

• Locomotive drills

• Confusion is good

Training should be playing. It should make you think and ignite the body.

That’s the most sustainable route to having good and ‘fit’ physiques.

So if there is one message here it is PLAY.

Play like your life depends on it.

Your body will salute you.

Hope you enjoyed it and take care!

See you next time.

- Tim