By Dr. Phil Lombardo, Level 2 MovNat Certified Trainer

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear a man that has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” – Bruce Lee

They Asked Me To Do What?

When I was invited to participate in the filming of the MovNat Mobility e-course, my first response was riddled with fear and shame (mobility is not my jam). It might have been the isolation of 2020 that pushed me past my fear, or the thought of crisp Vermont Fall mornings. But I ultimately decided, I was in!

The truth was, before the filming, I wasn’t the picture-perfect mobility guy (I’m still not, but working on it). However, I decided to lean into my role during filming.  I succumbed to the idea that I may be the guy struggling in the back, but I’d also be the guy that would offer encouragement and inspiration for the people out there just like me. Beyond my altruistic mindset, I also had a lot of faith in the production and editing team (yes, I’m also a hopeless optimist).

We All Might Benefit From Removing “Should Be” From Our Vocabularies…

By title, I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Level 2 MCT. While it’s true that I’ve often thought that I “should be” further along in my mobility practice and more capable than I am – I don’t anymore (well not as often, anyway!). After spending three days with Danny & Co. filming, I learned there is no longer space for shame or self-criticism. Instead, I’m learning to incorporate three important fundamentals into my mobility practice:

  • Be patient with yourself – you can slow down without fear of judgement;
  • Cross legged sitting can be just as beautiful as a Power Up; and
  • Sitting in a Deep Squat while working on reaching or weight shifting has exponential value

While I fight the urge to see the list above as regressions in my Natural Movement practice – I also realize that when Danny offered me acceptance during production, he was also giving me permission to choose grace over self-judgment. But most importantly, he taught me to leave the “should be” mentality at the door.

In a World Where You Can Be Anything – Be Mobile.

After participating in the MovNat Mobility course, here are two pieces of advice I would offer to you:

First: when in doubt, go back to the basics. Bruce Lee once said: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear a man that has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”  Before deeming yourself a “master” of a movement, ask yourself two things:

  1. Can I move slower through the movement with the same control as when I move fast; and
  2. If I change the environment I practice a movement in, can I adapt with the same precision as I did in the original space?

If you answer “yes” to both, you are a master and Bruce Lee would be proud of you.

Second: more isn’t always better. Contrary to what we all believe, more is only better if you know your limit. When you catch yourself trying to push further, ask your body these three questions (and really listen to what it has to say):

  1. Is this a new movement? If yes, take it slow and recognize the difference between feeling pain and feeling uncomfortable. If your body is sending you signals of pain, release the gas pedal. The goal is to feel slightly uncomfortable, not pain.
  2. Is this a movement that I know, but am simply not a master of yet? If yes, be gracious with yourself and try to recognize what progress you have made – even if it is small. Keep working through the progressions and set realistic expectations for yourself. All good things take effort and time.
  3. Is this a movement that I know and I am doing it well? If yes, celebrate your dang self! You’ve either worked really hard to feel this good while practicing this movement – or you were born with it.  Either way, c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e.

Each session in the MovNat Mobility e-course was programmed with intention, I know that now. And when you string them all together, you’ll discover something new about your body and your potential for mobility. That’s simply the magic of this program.

Life, Five Months Post-Production.

Here I sit, five months post-production and my head still echoes with Danny telling me not to reach as far, use a bolster if I need it, and always remember to breathe!

Today, mobility is still my greatest challenge, but it’s progressing. I’m able to sit back into my newfound hip mobility to help balance getting up on a rail. I feel comfortable demonstrating a Rock to Squat Get Up, and have seriously improved my motor control in my Deep Knee Bend to Kneeling. But, most importantly, I now measure my goals in months and years, not just weeks.

Your mobility practice may start today, but remember there is no destination – just benchmarks. Be patient with yourself – your body doesn’t know what it doesn’t know. So, enjoy the journey.

Your Foundation for Better Movement & Mobility

The MovNat Mobility e-course is scheduled for release next week! This program will help you learn the fundamentals of restorative Natural Movement® to improve your mobility from the ground up – giving your body the freedom to move well for a lifetime. Stay tuned for the big announcement!