Trying Something New

Hey hi hello!

Lately I’ve been strength training seriously for the first time in my life. I have explored movement through lots of styles of yoga, I’ve been a distance runner, danced in styles like ballet and tap and jazz, tried acro yoga, surfed, climbed, skateboarded. But I’ve never followed a structured program of progressively lifting heavier weights to get stronger.

It’s been fucking hard and uncomfortable. I’m not lifting to gain muscle or lose weight or work towards any specific goal - I just know that it’s good for me to learn and grow in a movement modality I don’t know that much about.

One of my favorite teachers Jason Crandell says it best: “The most beneficial aspect of ‘advancing’ your practice isn’t the acquisition of new postures or tricks. Rather, it’s the process of putting yourself into a difficult, confusing scenario where you confront your habits and limitations. In short, the benefit of ‘advancing’ isn’t the acquisition of your goal - it’s the growth and learning that precedes it.”

So while I can feel myself getting stronger, and that’s great, I’ve been really excited to walk onto any gym floor and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed or like an imposter. I can use a cable machine with confidence. I can deadlift without wondering if I’m doing it right. And I think this can apply to almost any practiced skill in life - the purpose of practice is to create an environment where you explore a new facet of your relationship with yourself.

Maybe there’s something in your life that forces you to confront your limitations. Maybe it’s starting to work towards handstand as a beginner (if so, I’ve got you covered with my new series - see below). If you’re not finding that challenge, the confrontation, on the mat, where are you finding it? Maybe it’s time to try something new.