Humans are designed to move. Sadly, as we’ve evolved, a sedentary lifestyle has become far too normal. Don’t get me wrong, technology and innovation is great. We all know we aren’t in the business of growing, gathering, or catching our own food anymore. More importantly, we aren’t required to run to keep from being food. But the evolving lack of movement has caused a disconnect between our minds and our bodies. We work in jobs that don’t require our bodies, sitting at desks, taking Ubers, driving kids around, clicking mouse buttons, and tapping on keyboards. We only notice our bodies when something goes “wrong” with it.
We have, in effect, betrayed our bodies.
The body will become better at whatever you do, or don’t do. You don’t move? The body will make you better at NOT moving. If you move, your body will allow more movement.
— Ido Portal
My friend, mentor, and coach, Max Shank, gets right to the point.
“Stop moving? You’re dead.”
Fortunately, Max has found that just a “few simple movements will make a PROFOUND impact on your health, productivity, and well-being.” He’s not taking about calisthenics, push-ups, sit-ups, or burpees. He really means SIMPLE movements. And these simple movements will enhance your strength simply by taking off the “neurological brakes” our minds have put on our bodies, and, as I preach — yes, ask them. I preach. — will make you more positive, more productive, and change your life.
Just 5 Minutes…
According to Max, “most people essentially drive around with the emergency brake on. Your body is fighting against itself instead of working together seamlessly, but you can change that…The aches and pains that you’ve ignored for too long will melt away, if you spend just 5 minutes in the morning finding your flow…”
What is a flow?
Simply put, it’s any set of movements you want it to be. Note I said movements. A flow is not a series of static stretches. A flow can be stretches put together, yet moving. It can be easy or really hard and everything in between. A 5-Minute Flow is geared to improve your mobility, rather than only focusing on flexibility.
How To #5minuteflow
Move continuously for five minutes every morning. It’s the critical period for your day. Start every day off the right way. Even a 5-minute walk around your block is a flow.
Make some big circles with all of your joints head to toe, or do some yoga/dance/martial arts movements.
Just move. It doesn’t have to be scripted or rehearsed.
When you finish your 5-minute flow, make sure you hit all the major body parts. Did I move my:
►Wrists? ►Elbows? ►Shoulders? ►Shoulder Blades? ►Neck? ►Thoracic Spine? ►Lumbar Spine? ►Hips? ►Knees? ►Ankles?
Try to make sure the answer is YES to all of those questions, and as you gain more ability and confidence, you will find that many of the compound movements address many of these areas all at once, which makes your flow more efficient and effective! And…might I add…burns more fat! Win win!
We only have one body, and it’s worth developing into an incredible freedom machine, capable of playing with your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Give yourself the gift of daily movement, have fun while doing it, and enjoy the fruits of your efforts with a lifetime of health and fitness. Just become a little better than you were yesterday.
Join us at FOR for a 5-week program to learn how to do the 5-Minute Flow. It will change your life!
