Happy New Year! It is a new year and it is time for new things, including new forms of movement. No matter what your current movement looks like, there are likely opportunities for you to explore new forms of movement, so what are you going to include in your repertoire of movement this year? Below are three ways in which I have made the first steps to achieve my goals of becoming stronger and diversifying my movement activities in 2012.
1. I gained 300 lbs over the holidays. One of the gifts I asked for and received this year was 300 lbs of Olympic plates to further build my strength on the four main lifts (deadlift, squat, press, bench press) at home. This plays into the types of movements that I already like to do.
2. My wife and I exchanged rings. I do not have any formal gymnastics training, but I have done pushups, pullups, dips, rows, etc. What better way to increase the difficulty and diversity of these types of movements than to do them using gymnastic rings? In addition, rings and straps are very portable (e.g., they even fit in a carry-on suitcase) and I can use them almost anywhere that I can throw the straps over a beam, bar, or tree branch.
3. I attended my first yoga class. Yes, gasp, I had never done yoga before last night. It was a bit humbling to be the new guy who didn’t know what was going on, but it was also interesting to move and “pose” in ways that I am not used to doing. And today, I am a bit sore in places that I am not usually sore. Why? Because I was performing movements that I do not usually perform. And to me, that is precisely the point of diversifying one’s movement.
So, what new forms of movement or activity are you engaging in this new year? Check out the Dan’s Plan store for ideas and equipment such as the TRX Suspension Trainers and the Fitbit to diversify and track your new activities.