Exploring Nutritious Movement

An Alternative Approach to Exercise

As a biomechanics enthusiast, I've closely followed Katy Bowman's work for about three years. In fact, my admiration for her teachings led me to complete her recent certification program to become a Restorative Exercise Specialist. Often affectionately referred to as KB, Katy's profound insights have had a lasting impact on my perspective.

A Dynamic Workshop Experience

Recently, Katy partnered with Jill Miller to conduct a workshop on Dynamic Aging at the 1440 Multiversity. This collaborative endeavor brought together a hundred individuals eager to delve into the realm of Nutritious Movement. Jill's unique perspective, having undergone hip replacement surgery in her 40s, added an invaluable dimension to the event. Though I couldn't attend in person, I've been immersed in attendees' shared experiences and reflections throughout the weekend.

Gleaning Wisdom from the Experts

One highlight has been the enlightening Facebook Live session featuring Jill Miller, Katy Bowman, and Tom Myer, a notable figure renowned for his work on structural integration and Anatomy Trains. As a devoted follower of KB, I've learned something new whenever I hear her speak. Her insights continually reshape my understanding of movement and its profound impact on our bodies.

Nutritious Movement: An Analogy

While my formal education doesn't include nutrition, I find it fascinating. Katy's "nutritious movement" concept, paralleling her company's name, presents a compelling analogy. Much like our bodies need essential nutrients, they also require varied and balanced movement to thrive. This analogy resonates deeply. For instance, being deficient in Vitamin D can lead to health issues. Similarly, being unable to perform certain movements like squatting can result in movement-related health challenges.

Reframing Movement: A Paradigm Shift

In science, nutrition has been explored for centuries, while movement studies have a much shorter history of about 60 years. Katy Bowman and her contemporaries are ushering in a paradigm shift by emphasizing that "exercise" is a category of movement. Just as macronutrients are vital for nutrition, essential movement categories encompass strength training, flexibility, and cardio. But Katy's perspective extends further, illuminating the micronutrients of movement—those subtle yet crucial movements often overlooked.

Addressing Movement Deficiencies

Drawing parallels to nutrition, addressing movement deficiencies offers choices similar to supplementing vitamin deficiencies. You can opt for targeted exercises, incorporate movement-rich activities, or disregard the issue altogether and suffer the consequences. Regrettably, many people seem to tolerate movement deficiencies, resulting in compromised mobility and function.

Functional vs. Aesthetic Movement

Consider this analogy: what takes priority if a client desires "toned arms" but struggles to scratch their back? Functional movements, those essential for daily life, often yield aesthetic benefits. By focusing on improving shoulder mobility, blood flow, strength, and lymph drainage are inadvertently enhanced, therefore providing toned arms.

Seamless Integration of Movement

The notion of "nutritious movement" isn't about adding extra exercise to your routine; it's about seamlessly integrating purposeful movement into every facet of life. It accompanies you from the car to the office, as you sit at your desk, and even in your choice of shoes and clothing. Every aspect of life becomes an opportunity to nourish your body through movement, negating the need for conventional gym workouts.

Embracing the "nutritious movement" philosophy challenges us to reevaluate our daily physical interactions. Just as we choose nutrient-rich foods, we can consciously infuse our lives with movement, creating a profound impact on our well-being. So, the next time you ponder your exercise routine, remember that every step, stretch, and motion can be a nutrient-rich contribution to a healthier, more vibrant you.