Strength matters. Fitness matters. But movement is a skill too.
As children, movement is constantly changing.
We run, jump, climb, catch, turn, react and learn new physical skills. Our bodies are constantly being asked to solve new movement problems.
Then adulthood arrives.
For many people, movement becomes increasingly predictable.
The same walk.
The same exercises.
The same machines.
The same movement patterns.
There is nothing wrong with repetition. Repetition is an important part of learning and improving any physical skill.
The problem is repetition without a changing problem.
Your body learns the solution.
Then it needs another problem to solve.
Coordination is more than balance
When people hear the word coordination, they often think about standing on one leg or catching a ball.
But human movement is much broader than that.
Coordination involves the ability to organise movement efficiently. It can include timing, rhythm, balance, footwork, reaction, spatial awareness, control and the ability to adapt when something changes.
Think about everyday life.
You rarely know exactly how every movement will happen before it happens.
You adjust your feet.
You step around something.
You catch an object.
You change direction.
You carry something awkwardly shaped.
You react when you lose balance.
Real life doesn't give you the next movement in advance.
So why should all of your training?
Your brain trains when movement keeps changing
At Rico Group Fitness, we believe physical training can develop more than muscles and cardiovascular fitness.
A training session can also present movement problems.
A change in direction.
A different rhythm.
A new combination.
A transition between movements.
A change in equipment.
A familiar movement performed in a different sequence.
The goal isn't to make exercise unnecessarily complicated.
The goal is to maintain the ability to learn, react, control and adapt.
Our Barbell Energy classes are a good example.
The session combines resistance training with changing movement patterns and cardiovascular sections. Participants don't need to memorise an entire workout before beginning. They watch, listen, respond and adapt as the session develops.
The muscles are working.
The cardiovascular system is working.
But something else is happening too.
The participant is continually processing information and organising movement in response.
Movement intelligence comes from adapting
Fitness is often measured by numbers.
How much did you lift?
How far did you run?
How many repetitions did you complete?
Those things can be valuable.
But we believe another question deserves attention:
How well can you adapt?
Can you learn a new movement?
Can you change direction confidently?
Can you maintain control when the task changes?
Can you coordinate your body when you're becoming tired?
Can you move without unnecessary hesitation?
These abilities are not reserved for athletes.
They are part of being physically capable.
And like other physical qualities, they can be practised.
Most adults stop training coordination.
Movement is a skill.
Train it. 💚
Want to experience a different approach to fitness?
Train strength, fitness, coordination and movement skills with us.
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