the Foundational Methods

An objective of Foundational.Fitness has been to distill many assorted thoughts and concepts into a set of ideas and techniques -- I will refer to them as the “Foundational Methods” -- that will help us maximize our efforts, minimize pain and injuries, and live active, healthy lives.

The methods described here are fundamental to the function and operation of the human body. They are also universal and can be applied to any type of activity.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a “gym rat,” a “CrossFit junkie,” or just prefer a good walk around the park, understanding and integrating these methods will cultivate movements that are genuine, strong, efficient, and effective.

Experiment within the framework of these methods. Use them to explore how you move. Discover how they work for you.

To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom. -- Aristotle

Application of these methods will keep our bodies happy, our actions healthy, and help us get the most out of our moments and experiences.

Let’s take a look at the Foundational Methods.

GROUNDING

Our foundation begins with the Earth -- the interplay between our body and gravity. This is typically something we take for granted, giving little if any thought.

Hopefully, that will change.

Remaining aware of gravity and our connection to the earth below us, we can learn to move in relation to that pull -- that irresistible pull -- and correlate our movements to that force.

This relationship is so powerful that everything begins there.

Grounding gives us the power and stability essential for Centering.

CENTERING

In its simplest form, centering is the idea of paying close attention to your physical center, your center of gravity, if you will, and establishing your movements from and around that nucleus.

This concept may be familiar to some of us -- to others, not so much.

Building our awareness of centering will help us understand the power and grace we can draw from this method.

By applying the methods of Grounding and Centering, we establish the foundation from which Balance can flow.

BALANCE

Balance is a dynamic and multifaceted concept.

It certainly includes our most common interpretation of keeping our bodies in a state of stability and equilibrium, which is very important for our purpose.

But it also includes balancing our actions and activities, as well as our distractions and our inactions.

Our bodies, minds, and lives function best when they are balanced.

Paying attention to and properly implementing the methods of Grounding, Centering, and Balance will allow us to fully appreciate the combined concepts of Form and Function.

FORM and FUNCTION

While distinct ideas, in application, form and function are very closely related.

Proper form is crucial, and should underlie all our movements.

Unfortunately, this concept is something that we often give only a casual nod.

Paying close attention to form, and implementing proper body mechanics, keeps our actions strong and healthy.

We observe proper function by using our body in ways appropriate to its design.

Through conscious attention to our movements, and understanding the “How” and “Why” of our actions, we can match form with function to safely and effectively perform any activity we undertake.

Attention applied to Form and Function will bring us back to the beginning, with the enlistment of Grounding, Centering, and Balance.

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This has been a short introduction to the Foundational Methods.

The purpose of F.F is to build upon this material in meaningful steps, and introduce many more ideas and topics along the way.

Please reference the Articles and Blog Entries for further examinations and discussions.

Thank you for your time, and thank you for sharing this adventure with me!