Keeping it complex

When it comes to training regimes I'm a big fan of keeping it complex. Sound counter-intuitive? Let me explain.

I believe we need to expose ourselves to different ways of moving in order to get the most out of our bodies. I'm talking about constantly challenging yourself to learn new things - a work out for your brain as well as your body.

This is one of the reasons why I fell in love with the art of Capoeira, more than a decade ago. There’s so many different aspects to explore: musical instruments, singing in Portuguese, learning about Brazilian culture, acrobatics, and martial arts.

While these elements all seem pretty different, even unrelated, one actually can’t exist without the other. I know that understanding the musical side of Capoeira makes you way better at moving around in the roda (the circle that you play Capoeira in), for example.

CrossFit and functional training methods are good examples too, because they introduce different movement patterns and lots of cool toys to play around with.

But sometimes we get a little too comfortable with our training, so how do you change this up?

Well, in the case of CrossFitters and people who are into functional training, you can dedicate some of your training time to explore a particular area in depth, such as Olympic lifting, Gymnastics or Powerlifting. These are all great tools!

Once you’ve taken the time to gain competence in your chosen area (and this will take some time), you know it’s time to move on to your next challenge.

One of the things I love most about my job is seeing people grow to better understand what their bodies are capable of, and how they can leverage this in their sport, and in life.

I encourage my clients and students to try new things that get them moving, challenge their thinking, and make them really happy.

Whether it's dancing, skating, surfing, Capoeira, gymnastics, olympic lifting or martial arts - I challenge you to delve into the detail of your chosen sport or training discipline, and see what physical and mental benefits follow.

This article was first published on the Elements Fitness and Martial Arts website.