By Master Coach Kesh
Approximate Reading Time: 2-4 min
The information age has provided us with an incredible ability to explore the world like never before. The sheer number of potential choices, routes, ideas to dive into can be good for some, but simply overwhelming for others.
The world of health and fitness is no different. The varieties of things you can work on, eat, drink and think about can make your head spin! At Restore Human we are always looking for ways to simplify the conversation to get you started on the right path - how to develop the physical literacy to ‘move with confidence’.
We would like to propose the following model to help frame this discussion: each point can then be explored in depth according to your needs.
Confidence to know positions of best strength
Confidence to get into nature, testing whats been learned indoors in an unpredictable, potentially chaotic scenario
Confidence to try new hobbies, sports and activities - the social connection aspect of movement
Confidence to know what our limitations (physically and mentally) are and how to prevent overloading them whilst gradually expanding our limits.
Confidence to accept the occasional niggle or pain as part of healthy and energetic physical life - and what it means if this is more than just an occasional thing.
CONFIDENCE TO KNOW POSITIONS OF BEST STRENGTH
One of the most important things to be able to move with confidence is to build an understanding of where your body is most stable and how that relates to everyday movement. Creating strong and stable structures in terms of pushing, pulling, squatting, picking things up off the floor etc., will allow you to navigate activities of daily living with more ease. Building that base of strength and stability will empower you to tackle more complex challenges too!
CONFIDENCE TO GET INTO NATURE
At Restore Human a key end goal for all of our members is to get outside and utilize the strength built in a curated environment to hike, bike, climb, trek, run, walk, etc.
So much of the joy of being physically literate connects us to our beautiful planet, allowing us to engage in physical activities where there is much less uniformity of terrain and environmental conditions. If we can only move on flat ground, in perfectly sustained temperatures and exercises what good is our physical training?
Many members describe a key finding after working with us is that they are empowered and confident to get outside and explore - a key facet of moving with confidence!
CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW HOBBIES AND SPORTS
Never has the world had more avenues for connection - but seemingly more and more suffer from anxiety, depression and isolation.
Moving with confidence allows us to connect with others through various mediums, whether thats joining a local rec league to play soccer, joining up with a walking group, heading down to the climbing centre or just enjoying time spent doing things with others.
The social connection side of physical literacy is probably the most important alongside the individual health and mood benefits. Together we are stronger, alone we are a lot less resilient.
CONFIDENCE TO KNOW OUR LIMITATIONS IN A PRACTICAL SENSE BUT NOT BE DEFINED BY THEM
Confident movers are able to tackle new physical tasks because they understand what they are currently capable of and thus can risk mitigate well.
Whenever you are asked to do things that are currently out of your scope you will be able to problem solve and find a more suitable progression, clearly articulating what needs to be developed, etc.,
This sense of working within your capacity most of the time but then pushing that envelope a little further over time leads to a sweet spot of enjoying your physical training rather than being bored through no challenge or overwhelmed and injured through working way beyond your current level all the time.
CONFIDENCE TO ACCEPT THE OCCASIONAL NIGGLE AS PART AND PARCEL OF A MOVING LIFE
Confidence in your movement allows you to push smartly into unknown territory without worrying about the occasional overreach. By definition moving into new territory mentally and physically comes with risk attached.
Mental and physical resilience comes from absorbing little aches and pains and being able to keep moving through them in an appropriate way - of course the key discussion point here becomes what happens if you are constantly being injured - thats a sign of not being confident about our limitations and inappropriately overreaching.
The topic of pain is a nuanced and complicated discussion but making it the focal point of the physical experience often smothers any other connection to the process. So respecting our bodies is important but not wrapping ourselves in cotton wool either - this leaves you very unprepared for the realities of our lives.
So master these key areas and find yourself moving with renewed (or entirely new) confidence. As always if you want a helping hand to develop these qualities thats our mission at Restore Human: to help you create your own roadshow!
