When we think of exercise and fitness, what often comes to mind is going to a gym, playing a sport or joining a fitness class. So what do we mean by real world fitness? Fundamentally it’s about training and exercising the body to be stronger, more flexible and with a greater capability for real life function and actions. Natural Movement and Calisthenics are two approaches that can help gain real world fitness.
What is natural movement?
Natural movement training or primal movement, is a fitness approach that emphasizes the development of human movement skills and abilities based on natural, functional, and evolutionary movements. It aims to restore and enhance the body’s fundamental movement patterns, often inspired by the movements of our ancestors and observing patterns in nature.
The philosophy behind this form of fitness training is that our bodies are designed to move in a diverse range of ways, incorporating crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, throwing, and many other movements. However, modern lifestyles, sedentary behaviors, and the limited movement patterns of conventional exercise programs can restrict our natural movement abilities.
Natural movement fitness seeks to overcome these limitations by incorporating a wide variety of movements into training routines. It focuses on developing strength, mobility, coordination, agility, balance, flexibility, and overall body awareness through dynamic and functional movements. This can involve exercises and drills such as crawling, rolling, jumping, vaulting, balancing on narrow surfaces, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects, and practicing different forms of locomotion.
The goal of natural movement fitness is to create a well-rounded and adaptable body capable of handling a wide range of physical challenges and daily activities. It promotes the integration of movement into everyday life rather than confining exercise to a gym or specific training sessions. It encourages individuals to explore their environment, interact with their surroundings, and discover new ways of moving and engaging with their bodies.
What is Calisthenics?
Calisthenics is fundamentally a form of exercise that uses your own body weight to build fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance. It is a type of training that relies on movements such as pushing, pulling, bending, jumping, and swinging and works multiple muscle groups.
Calisthenics exercises can be performed using little to no equipment, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Some common examples of calisthenics exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and burpees. These exercises can be modified and progressed to suit different fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
One of the key principles of calisthenics is developing functional strength, which means building strength that translates into real-world movements and activities. It focuses on improving overall body control, coordination, and mobility.
Calisthenics is often associated with bodyweight fitness and street workout movements. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in building lean muscle mass, improving athleticism, and providing a challenging and engaging workout experience. Many individuals and communities practice calisthenics in parks, outdoor spaces, and dedicated calisthenics facilities.
Natural Movement v Calisthenics
Calisthenics and natural movement fitness share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Here are some key points of comparison:
Exercise Focus.
Calisthenics primarily focuses on bodyweight exercises performed in a structured and repetitive manner, targeting specific muscle groups. It aims to build strength, endurance, and muscle mass using exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks.
Natural movement fitness, on the other hand, emphasizes a broader range of movements that mimic natural human and animal locomotion, such as crawling, running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. It seeks to develop overall movement skills, mobility, agility, and adaptability.
Equipment.
Calisthenics exercises often require minimal equipment or none at all. They can be performed using just bodyweight or simple props like pull-up bars or parallel bars.
Natural movement fitness can be equipment-free as well, focusing on utilizing the environment and bodyweight. However, it may also incorporate natural or unconventional tools like rocks, logs, trees, and uneven surfaces to enhance movement challenges and variety.
Structure.
Calisthenics training often follows a structured approach with predetermined sets, repetitions, and progressions. It may involve targeting specific muscle groups on specific training days, with a focus on building strength and muscle mass.
Natural movement fitness embraces a more spontaneous and exploratory approach. It encourages creative movement exploration, improvisation, and playfulness within the framework of natural human movements.
Purpose.
Calisthenics is commonly used as a form of strength training and body conditioning. It is often practiced with the goal of achieving specific fitness outcomes, such as muscle development, increased strength, and improved physical performance.
Natural movement fitness, while it can certainly lead to strength gains and improved fitness, also emphasizes movement quality, functional mobility, and the integration of movement into daily life. It aims to develop holistic movement competence and body awareness beyond just physical attributes.
Mind-Body Connection.
Calisthenics generally focuses on physical aspects, such as building muscle and improving fitness. Natural movement fitness places a greater emphasis on the mind-body connection, seeking to cultivate body awareness, coordination, and the integration of movement with conscious breathing. It encourages a deeper connection with one’s body and the surrounding environment.
In practice, calisthenics and natural movement fitness can complement each other. Individuals may choose to incorporate elements from both approaches into their training routines based on their goals, preferences, and the resources available to them.
Photo credit: Yaroslav Shuraev / Pexels
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