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www.unconventionalathletes.com SEEKING THE THRILL! Step one is just getting back in a tree. I find this to be very rewarding for my students. The thrill alone provides a newfound exuberance and exhilaration. Just as when you were a kid you don’t have to go all the way to the top. In fact I recommend a lower tree with nice sturdy branches that allow for multiple foot placements and hand holds. You want to feel somewhat secure as you get reacquainted with your inner child. Meanwhile there are some pretty cool physical benefits you are reaping. REBOOT YOUR DORMENT AGRAIAN CAPABILITY! First, and perhaps my favorite, grabbing; we don’t grab things much in the modern world. Think about it, the remote, a glass of water, some laundry maybe. This is a far cry from even 150 years ago when much of the world was still agrarian. Then you grabbed many objects throughout the day, tools, crops, animals, rocks you name it. So I really like that when you begin to explore and move about a tree you are constantly grabbing. This is a fantastic way to regain a lost mechanism of humans. First, and perhaps my favorite, grabbing; we don’t grab things much in the modern world. Think about it, the remote, a glass of water, some laundry maybe. MAKE FEAR YOUR FRIEND Second, and this begins to happen as you move more comfortably up, down and around the tree: awareness. I love preaching the good news of awareness. There is a certain level of fear that comes with climbing anything (I am speaking in general, not to the elite or professional). This is a good thing. Fear is that little voice saying, “Easy now, make sure your foot is set. Whoa there, that branch looks dead, don’t pull on it.” It is self preservation keeping you from making a critical mistake. I like that we have to PAY ATTENTION, when doing something physical. It creates a sense of awareness. My hope is that through this type of practice we retain this skill in our day to day rather than mindlessly going through life unaware of our surroundings and situations. Awareness is a big teaching point of mine and I believe that climbing trees helps establish this life skill. Issue 03 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EDITION 2015 Page 34
www.unconventionalathletes.com THE BEAUTY OF BALANCE The third benefit is balance. Walking on limbs, there is no substitute for the infinite variability that trees provide for balance. I like to say balance is arguably the most vital athletic trait. Most of the time when you watch a video of physical prowess that wows extremely skilled balance is involved (look for it next time). PRACTICE FOR PERFECTION The fourth step is developing your practice. As you begin to get more and more comfortable you will begin to move more freely. Also your kinesthetic vocabulary will increase, meaning you will have more tools in your toolbox to use. OPEN YOUR MIND My ultimate goal for my students and readers is that they would see the world and movement differently. When I go for a hike, I will inevitably come across a tree or two that just draws me in and invites me to play and climb. You probably did the same thing when you were a child. I want that outlook on life for you as an adult. Why not? Sooner than later you won’t even think about whether you should or should not climb this tree or that tree anymore. You will just do it because you enjoy it and it challenges you while it frees you. The best way to develop this is to spend more and more time playing in trees. I have a favorite tree, which provides loads of variety in climbing, vaulting, balancing, hanging, swinging, jumping, and brachiating (I worked up a sweat just thinking about all that physical fun). Your kinesthetic vocabulary will increase, meaning you will have more tools in your toolbox to use GO APE! Find a tree that you fall in love with, and then the others will become more inviting too. So go out and start climbing and playing in trees today! You will get strong as an ape and feel young as a kid! Article by Mark Smith WEBSITE: http://www.AsylumFitness.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/asylumfitnessnc INSTAGRAM: Instagram @coachmarkaf You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZKSRBHr9LIkxD_vX2ij2g Issue 03 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EDITION 2015 Page 35
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