Training in a Picnic Park
The word is out, and space is very limited, so if you haven’t heard the news…don’t waste time in registering! MovNat’s coming to Toronto!
When I first heard about MovNat, I pictured myself running barefoot through the jungle, leaping from trees and swinging from vines. After all, MovNat founder Erwan Le Corre looks a bit like a short-haired version of Tarzan in his YouTube videos, as he skillfully moves through some stunning natural backdrops. His approach seemed refreshing and seemed to take the notion of functional fitness one step further. Inviting people to “explore their true nature”, his philosophy seemed just what the modern world needed.
Personally, I had one problem in relating to the concept. I have a busy life and don’t live in a natural paradise. I live in Toronto, Canada where both summers and winters are extreme. I barely have enough time to get to the gym. I couldn’t see how I could apply MovNat training to my own situation and environment. Was I supposed to run around barefoot in the snow, lifting logs buried in the ice and throwing huge snowballs? Even the summer months seemed to present challenges, as Toronto is a big city and wilderness areas are not easily accessible.
That was my perception a year ago. My understanding totally changed this summer, when I had the opportunity to train under Erwan’s direct tutelage. I learned that MovNat is about natural movement, not the existence of a certain environment. And natural movements can be practiced almost anywhere. I can walk on all fours in a park or at my gym. I can lift a heavy stone outdoors or a kettlebell inside. I can create a course in an urban environment just as easily as I can in the wild. This simple concept took me a while to understand. While it’s true that MovNat requires some creativity on the part of the individual to structure workouts, Le Corre provides a system for doing just that. Natural movement can be scaled and practiced by anyone, regardless of ability, age, or situation in life.
Now for the big news — Le Corre will be conducting two clinics on MovNat in Toronto this December. The dates offered are December 19th and December 20th, 2009, and the courses will be held at Total Balance on 282 Church Street in Oakville, Ontario. Having trained with Erwan, I can personally attest to the quality of his teachings. If you’re intrigued by his approach, I highly recommend that you go. You’ll come away with a greater understanding of his philosophy and the fundamentals behind his style of training.
To learn more about MovNat, visit Erwan’s blog.
To register for a Toronto seminar, click here. Space is limited to 12 participants per one-day session.
Tags: Erwan Le Corre, MovNat, natural movement, seminars
“While it’s true that MovNat requires some creativity on the part of the individual to structure workouts, Le Corre provides a system for doing just that.”
After attending the MovNat seminar with you and continuing on with my further education and research (Exuberant Animal, reading about exercise and brain development, etc…) I’d like to posit to your dear readers (who may know this already) that THIS is the feature that really makes MovNat fantastic in the realm of functional fitness… Through the necessity of creativity, you are training your body and training your brain both in physical responses and adaptation as well as reigniting a creative element that seems to be lacking from the lives of many adults. I truly believe this (developing mind and body togetehr) is critical to living a long and happy life. : )
Go do MovNat!!!
G’day Greg. I’m going to tomorrow’s training session with Erwan, and really looking forward to it. Parkour has been my activity of choice for ~2 years now, and have a feeling that MovNat is going to be a great accompaniment.
Cheers,
Nick
Hi Greg,
While on a trip in Australia last month, I came across the Men’s Health (aussie edition) article on Le Corre and MovNat, and am now really interested in learning more about it and figuring out how to begin integrating some of the techniques and philosophies into my workouts. As I’m guessing there won’t be another Toronto clinic in the near future, do you have any suggestions on reading materials, links, videos, etc. or groups in the area already training in MovNat that I could look into?
I’m sure proper technique is a big key to pursuing MovNat safely, so any help or direction you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks!
Dan
Me again, Greg – Just realized now that your blog has all kinds of information. StrengthBox looks like a great concept and facility! Will begin reading and will be in touch.
Cheers,
Dan
Thanks Dan, actually we will have news about another Toronto clinic very soon! I’ll keep you posted.