Embracing the Wild: How Animal-Inspired Workouts Are Revolutionizing Fitness
As we emerge from the pandemic, a new era of fitness is taking shape. Say goodbye to tedious treadmill runs and hello to crawling like a bear, inching like a worm, and flying like a squirrel. Animal-inspired workouts, such as Animal Flow, Primal Play, and Primal Movement, are gaining popularity, and for good reason.
Getting Back to Basics
These unique exercises are rooted in the concept of quadrupedal movement, which involves moving on all fours like our ancestors. Physical therapist Grayson Wickham explains, “The majority of animal-inspired movements involve getting down on the ground on your hands and feet, and moving in that position.” This primitive approach to fitness is not only fun but also incredibly effective.
Inspiration from the Wild
Animal-inspired movements draw inspiration from various sources, including bodyweight disciplines like gymnastics, Parkour, breakdancing, and hand balancing. Mike Fitch, creator of Animal Flow, notes, “Animals are part of the inspiration, but these movements are also inspired by other forms of movement.” By combining these influences, animal-inspired workouts offer a holistic approach to fitness.
Benefits for All Ages
Contrary to what you might think, animal-inspired movements are not just for kids. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from crawling, says Wickham. Whether you’re 5 or 85, these exercises can improve your mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
A Response to Sedentary Lifestyles
The rise of animal-inspired workouts can be attributed to the sedentary lifestyles we’ve adopted, particularly during the pandemic. With physical distancing measures in place, we’ve lost out on valuable opportunities to move and walk. As a result, our bodies have conformed to a more static state, leading to decreased body awareness, core strength, and mobility.
Counteracting the Effects of Sitting
Animal-inspired movements can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. When performed correctly, these exercises can improve strength, power, speed, and endurance. They also work on reciprocal movement, which enhances coordination and reduces injury risk.
Improved Mobility and Coordination
By incorporating animal-inspired movements into your routine, you can improve your mobility and coordination. These exercises force you to work your shoulders, wrists, hips, and ankles through their full range of motion, making them ideal for athletes and non-athletes alike.
Core Strength and Mindfulness
Crawling exercises are excellent for building core strength, as they require engagement of the midsection to translate strength to the limbs. Additionally, animal-inspired flows encourage mindfulness, forcing you to focus on your body and its movements.
Tapping into Your Inner Animal
If you’re interested in trying an animal-inspired workout, look for programs like Animal Flow, Primal Play, or Primal Movement. These programs offer a unique approach to fitness that can yield benefits in as little as 1-2 weeks. So, get ready to unleash your inner animal and transform your body!
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