| Someone asked me about "foundational exercises." As in, what are the exercises that everyone should be doing, that form the "foundation" for a strong, fit, healthy body? I don't think "exercises" goes far enough. To lay a foundation, you need more than just some gym exercises, no matter how optimal they are. "Foundational movements, activities, and positions" gets us closer to the truth. So, what are the foundational movements, activities, and positions everyone should be doing? - Crawling - Sitting on the floor - Hanging - Resting squat - Goblet squat - Hip hinge (deadlift, kettlebell swings) - Lunging - Walking - Sprinting - Easy jogging (nasal breathing, heart rate under 180 minus age) - Physical play (for me, it's Ultimate frisbee, standup paddling, cycling) - Roughhousing (martial arts, contact sports, anything where you're testing your strength/dexterity against another person) - Nature exposure (this is foundational position of a human—being in nature) This all sounds like a lot. That's a long list, right? But these movements, activities, and positions all naturally, intuitively, and spontaneously flow together—coexist. Do one and you find yourself doing five. When I play Ultimate frisbee, I'm lunging, sprinting, resting in a squat, roughhousing, and walking. When I go for a hike, I'm in nature, I'm walking, I'm lifting random rocks and other things, I'm climbing, I'm doing easy jogging (or the equivalent). It all fits together. It's not a "workout" where you go down the line and check off each exercise. You integrate these into your day. Into your life. What are your foundational movements, activities, and positions? Let me know what you think in the comment section of New and Noteworthy. Take care, everyone. | 