One thing I like about my work in movement and alignment is getting clear on the “why”. 

For Example, why are we trying to be fit? What does it mean to be fit? 

I know from my own experience that I am much more motivated to do the “work” if I know why: 

• If there’s a ski trip coming up, I may want to build the strength and skill for skiing so that I will enjoy it more.

• If I want to compete in a triathlon, I need to train in those particular activities to have a chance at success. 

• If I want less pain and more ease of movement in my body, I can work on alignment principles and develop better daily habits for overall balance in my strength, mobility, and coordination. 

What does fitness mean to you? 

Fitness can be specific to an activity, but general fitness must take a step back to see the whole picture of your life. You might be very fit for biking, but those musclular adaptations may leave you weak in the upper body and also not very fit for walking or even standing upright! Also, you may be “fit” in athletics, but not a very fit friend or partner in a relationship, or maybe you’re a great mover with a terrible diet. You may even look good from the outside, but from poor alignment or high levels of stress, you may be experiencing chronic pain. 

For me, fitness is cultivating the balance in all aspects of life (and it’s always in process). I feel I am fit when I am present in mind, I have a body capable of enjoying all the activities I yearn to do, and I can be helpful with the activities I am called to do as well. 

This is why I try to bring the “why” into my coaching, classes, and events: 

• This principle will help ease the tension in your back and that will help you move easier, and then you’ll move more and do the things you’ve been wanting to do.

• That exercise will help your walking gait, and as you walk better, you’ll enjoy walking more, and soon you’ll be able to go on those longer hikes you’ve been yearning for. 

• Learning the principles of carrying and lifting can help you do the tasks of carrying groceries, picking up your kids, helping to carry a person in an emergency, and moving your furniture without worry about hurting yourself. 

It comes down to moving freely and living fully. 

What is your “why” for being fit?