Longevity

I had a magnetic moment with a book in the local public library, my eyes locked on it and had instance focus - it was called 'The Parkour & Free Running Handbook'.  The first few pages got me in and focussed on the physical body, anatomy and discipline.  I borrowed the book and later was introduced to the concept of longevity in a physically active life.

"The physical aim of parkour is to be as functionally fit, strong and capable for as long as possible in life - to become the best version of yourself that you can - not to explode out of the blocks, have a few years energetic practise and then stop because of injury or overstraining of the body.  Parkour is an art of living, a way of approaching not only your environment, but also your life".

One of the earliest practitioners of parkour, David Belle, can be seen in the video below.



I found this information very valuable - it gave me a sense of calm and an approach to training that will remain strong but incorporate a longer term vision and more defined purpose.  It also influenced my search into foods that assist in longevity and reminded me of an article I read on the New York times website about a 'death defying house' where uneven floors and unconventional design and architecture promote dexterity, strength and attentiveness.

And then there is Bette Calman, the 83 year old lady still teaching and practising yoga!  Go Bette!!!

"Never Tell Me What You Can't Do!"

"Never tell me what you can't do!"
 - My coach's coach to her during training.

After her 40th, my coach decided to shed the 40lbs she gained after having children, and took up triathlon.  She completed ten marathons, six half and two full Ironman competitions, participated in the World Championships Duathlon and finished third in the National Championships Half Ironman all in the course of six years.

My coach and I were discussing how to act when experiencing an injury which reduces the amount of weight you can lift or exercises you can do.  Her coach's statement encapsulates the attitude one must take:

"Never tell me what you can't do!"

So the practical application of this is that you focus on the exercises you can do, if you can't use your arms, use your legs, if you can't do strength training, do cardio training.  It all needs to be done, and the gains you make in other areas will be a blessing in disguise once you return to your full capabilities and have that extra body awareness, extra technique and skills which you worked on when you had to.  

Take on the champions mentality - what do you do when things try to get you down, you find a way to keep going.  

Shout out to my G.P.A. Warriors 'We Don't Stop!'.  

Bollywood - The Dance of The Gods!

I can honestly say I don't think I have felt such joy in a dance class as I do in the Bollywood dance classes I am taking at the moment.  Quite simply, it is a dance of joy. People smile and move gracefully and move to the music - I LOVE IT! So I'm very grateful to have come across this form of dance, this teacher, and the people in the class.

I've learnt 4 main hand gestures and a variety of very user friendly movements that accentuate rythyms in the music and just feel right. I also like the innate spiritual aspect to the dance, when I do some of the movements I feel respect, gratitude, contentment, peace and that unnameable sense of being in the right place. It also really feels like a dance in it's truest sense, like an art form, inspired by things of old but immediately accessible. I love seeing people smile in the class, it really is quite a profound experience each time.

Aight, that's it for this post, in the meantime 'Shut Up and Bounce'!



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