Change is an inevitable aspect of life, often presenting itself when we least expect it. Lately, I’ve been diving deep into my own thoughts about change, especially regarding my approach to training. Today, I want to share some of these reflections with you.
As I’ve been pondering over my journey as a trainer, I’ve decided not to focus as heavily on one-on-one sessions. Instead, I am leaning towards creating a waiting list. My motivation for this shift? It’s simple. I crave the gratification of seeing my clients achieve their results. However, I’ve come to realize that while my dedication to their progress is unwavering, the real game-changer is mutual effort. Reciprocity is everything.
When a client is as passionate as I am about addressing their challenges, our synergy is unbeatable. On the flip side, if someone is reluctant to face their own issues, no matter how eager I am to help, our efforts may become misaligned. There’s a lesson here that I’ve learned the hard way: reciprocal commitment is paramount. Overextending myself without a similar input from the other end is draining and counterproductive.
Helping someone improve their posture, alleviate pain, or simply feel better physically is not a fleeting endeavor. It demands time, patience, and a lot of love. Yet, the most significant challenge I often observe is individuals recognizing when their current strategies aren’t bearing fruit. That’s where the real change begins.
One of the innate human fears is change. It’s comfortable to remain ensconced in familiarity, be it our favorite grocery store or our cherished meal. However, the real magic often happens when we venture beyond our comfort zones. Do we stick to what we know, even if it’s not optimal for us? Or do we dare to explore, perhaps discovering something even more enriching?
Drawing parallels with fitness, many are attached to specific workout routines or classes. They find joy in the camaraderie and the familiar exercises. But the pivotal question remains – is it delivering the desired results? If not, it’s time to reassess and adapt.
Every day, I remind myself of the need for personal growth. Whether it’s scaling my business or training in jujitsu, being cautious and mindful is essential. I have responsibilities, not only to myself but to those dear to me who depend on my well-being.
Change is potent. It’s akin to standing at a crossroads, making crucial decisions that can transform our future. Every entrepreneur or visionary has faced moments of doubt and fear. Yet, the successful ones power through these emotions, handling challenges pragmatically and persistently. Their resilience is testament to the fact that monumental shifts can occur in seemingly short time spans.
If you’re hesitating at the threshold of change, I implore you to take the first step. Find a guide, someone competent, supportive, and results-driven. Imagine a life where discomfort and fatigue are foreign concepts. The power to make this a reality is in your hands.
If you’re contemplating working with me, I value genuine commitment. Your time is as precious as mine, and it’s essential that we’re on the same page. For those who resonate with my message and are eager for a transformative journey, I invite you to reach out.
Take care and embrace the change.
The Power of Awareness in Movement and Breath
When I think about the intricate tapestry of our daily lives, I’m often reminded of a profound truth: many of us unknowingly hold onto things. This might sound cryptic at first, but bear with me. I’ve been reflecting on this extensively lately, and the insight I’ve gleaned is too vital not to share.
More Than Just Exercise
When people ask what I do, the easiest answer is that I’m involved in the world of exercise. But the reality? It’s much deeper. I delve into the world of movement and study behavior. After all, isn’t most of our communication physically based? Every day, I’m privileged to guide numerous individuals on a journey to improve their bodies. But more than that, I observe how they move and respond.
Breath: The Unsung Hero
A recurring observation I’ve made, and one that strikes me most profoundly, is how often people are unaware they’re holding their breath. Some clients have shared their experiences of chest tightness or difficulty breathing. On analyzing their movements, say during a resistance row, it became clear that instead of engaging the right muscles, they’re inadvertently holding their breath. They tense up, scrunching their face in discomfort. This action, seemingly harmless, speaks volumes about our natural responses to challenge.
You see, movement is akin to a dialogue within your body. And to understand discomfort, you must be able to “speak” to the muscles causing it. If your breath is held captive, all your focus diverts there, making it almost impossible to discern anything else. Think about it: if you’re not breathing, where does your mind go? Directly to that pressing need. It’s a primal survival instinct, urging you to address the breath above all else.
Tuning In
Childhood games of holding our breath always ended the same way – our body forcing us to breathe, overriding our attempts to suppress it. The key takeaway here? We need to tune in and really listen. By paying attention to our physical responses, we gain an understanding of our mental and emotional state too. Is your focus always on one concern? By hyper-focusing on a singular issue, other equally important matters might be neglected.
Now, let’s bring this into the context of our sessions. When we work together, my goal is to guide you to areas you might be ignoring. Yes, it might feel natural to hold your breath or cling to discomfort, but why associate your identity with pain?
The Challenge: Pay Attention
If there’s a central message in this, it’s the call to be more present. Start observing your reactions – be it the anger during a tedious commute, the stress of work, or during a workout. Much like how we can intuitively gauge our nutrition, discerning when we’re eating healthily or indulging too much, the same holds for our reactions. When a situation stresses you out, leading to physical symptoms like headaches or breathlessness, take a moment. Identify that feeling.
And if you’re grappling with this and unsure how to navigate, don’t hesitate. Reach out to me, whether on Instagram or via my website. Let’s initiate a conversation, address these concerns, and steer you away from circumstances that no longer serve your wellbeing.
Stress has become an integral part of modern life. The hustle and bustle, the race against time, and the overwhelming stream of information and responsibilities have painted us into a corner. That’s why today, I’d like to share a highly recommended read: “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert Sapolsky. This remarkable book is a guide to understanding stress-related diseases and the various coping mechanisms.
Why Zebras, You Ask?
The title of the book captivates our attention and sets the stage for understanding our stress compared to that of a zebra. When a zebra is chased by a lion, it experiences extreme stress. However, once the chase is over and the zebra finds safety, its stress levels decrease. It allows its body to return to equilibrium. Humans, contrastingly, find it challenging to let go of stress and allow their bodies to reset.
The Modern Human Predicament:
We have all had sleepless nights where thoughts race through our minds. This constant connectivity, especially through our smartphones, keeps us in what can be referred to as “business mode”. Even when we are ready to sleep, our minds are still buzzing with the emails we could send or the tasks we could tick off our lists.
Furthermore, daily stressors such as traffic, frustration from waking up late, and getting agitated at other drivers further elevates our stress levels. Unlike the zebra that lets stress subside after escaping danger, we pile on more stress without allowing our bodies to recover. This accumulated stress can manifest in physical symptoms like chest pains and fatigue.
Practical Steps Towards Stress Management:
As Spider-Man taught us, “With great power comes great responsibility”. Our smartphones are powerful tools that can either add to our stress or be used responsibly to manage it. Here are some steps you can take to reduce stress:
Conclusion:
“Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” provides invaluable insights into the world of stress and how to manage it. Let’s learn from the zebras and start incorporating stress-reducing practices into our daily lives. Share your thoughts, experiences, and what you’ve learned from this book in the comments section or reach out via email or Instagram. Let’s build a community that supports each other in living stress-free lives!
Embrace the Humble Pie: A Journey with Functional Patterns
Have you ever tried a slice of humble pie? For me, the most humble of all pies is not found in a kitchen but in the gym with Functional Patterns (FP). As someone who wrestled and competed in jujitsu, both humbling in their own rights, nothing opened my eyes more to my own behavior than Functional Patterns.
You might ask, how can an exercise regimen be equated with humbleness?
FP is not just about physical exercises but a mirror reflecting our ingrained behaviors. Let’s take a simple example. Say you prefer leaning into your right hip while standing because it feels comfortable. Over time, that lean could lead to a hip tightness or even knee pain. The question arises: do you address the discomfort now, or delay until it becomes unbearable?
Through training individuals in Functional Patterns, I’ve seen diverse reactions. Some immediately recognize and address their weaknesses, while others shy away, finding FP challenging or even intimidating. But true growth, both mentally and physically, requires us to face our vulnerabilities head-on.
Drawing a parallel to our dietary choices, consider our modern-day relationship with junk food. A bag of Doritos, for instance, might taste divine, but does it nourish our body? When consumed without restraint, such choices can lead to long-term health consequences.
Some argue, “I’ve been eating processed foods for years and feel fine.” While individual metabolic rates vary, wouldn’t you rather know where your food comes from? Choose to fuel your body with pure, chemical-free ingredients, reducing the risk of ailments down the road. Sure, there’s no guarantee of immunity, but why risk it?
The essence of FP is not about lifting the heaviest weights or doing countless pull-ups. It’s about sustaining our body’s functionality. Imagine being agile at 100 or playing sports at an advanced age. On social media, there are inspiring elderly individuals who remain active and healthy, attributing their vitality to simple, clean living.
Success in FP, and life in general, stems from introspection and humility. To truly benefit, leave your preconceived notions and habits at the door. Challenge yourself. If you were in perfect health, wouldn’t you already be at your peak?
Are you ready to embrace a new perspective? To taste that slice of humble pie? To engage with a community that prioritizes genuine well-being over fleeting metrics? If so, come see what we’re all about. Challenge the status quo, and in doing so, challenge yourself. Your best health awaits. Dive into the world of Functional Patterns today!
Pain. One of the things that is, it’s been my honest opinion, really does hinders people’s ability to function period from the fizzle called aspect. But I think something that’s very important today. Society is also a mental aspect period, whether it’s a injury of the knee injury of the hip or injury at the back.
These things seem to develop a people and more ways than one period, whether it’s from missing work comma. Whether it’s missing out on a competition that you prepped for or whether it’s just enjoying life in general, period injuries, just seemed to put people on a depressive state and some break it and some do not appear.
It’s the question I proposed is, what is the differentiating factor period? I’m gonna recommend a book to you all the book is called, why zebras? Don’t have ulcers, get the office. I think it’s Roberts. That’s a great book. There’s actually a couple of books.
Why zebras don’t have ulcers? Wow, that’s really fucking good. It’s recording everything. I say no from there, trying to whisper,
The book is right, Robert Sapulsky period and you can look into it and have fun with your own research but basically what the books surmises is and today society were once upon a time, we were hunters and gatherers and the fight are flight function. That may be familiar to all of us.
Correct was utilized appropriate in those times where if you were engaged in a fight or you had to take flight, it would give you the energy necessary through the necessary bodily processes to perform, what you needed to do to survive. And then once you get to a place, either your survived or you’re there dead.
Correct. It’s one of the two, but if you’re on the ladder survival, your body comes down from that state. And you recover here fast forward to today? Society we for lack of predator, terms, use and abuse, our fight, or flight function. Aka to put it simply stress period, what our prime examples road.
Rage getting into our argument with someone another grocery store, for not being able to get the product that you want getting into our argument with your spouse, being a care in comma, being a Karen period, all these things. Right in the grand scheme of things, is it really life or death period?
Now, you’ll stand by me and say no of course not Todd, what are you talking about, period? However, you know, it’s to you while you are fixated on the confrontation, or the issue that you may face, your body will respond to how emotionally and mentally you can contribute energy into this engagement.
So to put it simply picture this, what would happen if you were stressed? 24/7 and never turn your fight or flight off period when you read the book. Quote-unquote, it’s not and absolute. But based on observations and scientific experiments, there are reasons to believe that. If you act in a certain manner, you can literally stress yourself sick.
Right. And I’m not going to go on record saying oh that’s absolutely true but there’s some correlations there. Just think in your own personal experience, think back to the last time you had up massive argument or you got into altercation over who could get the parking spot or not.
How did that make you feel common? How did you feel afterwards? I think solid questions to ask yourself period I believe when it comes to pain right? Bringing things back. Full circle that you’re not only mental perception but the perception of your mental to your physical well-being can be a contributing factor in helping you get out of it.
So to put that in even simpler terms is if you move well and you intuitively know your body, you’re more likely not to be depressed and help you get yourself out of yourself that state versus. If you believe there’s no solution you don’t treat your body. Well, more likely than not, you should be prepared to stay in the injury for quite some time appeared.
Just an observation and I believe, that’s the best way to kind of understand things, right? You need to learn by observing and then in turn discern and make your own judgments period.
Why do functional patterns?
Because quite literally, it’s a one-stop shop for all your fitness needs.
Weight loss, mobility strength, explosiveness speed, corrected movement.
I could probably list more functional patterns can accomplish all these things that you seek.
It does this because it systematically addresses issues in the body and it goes from a progression of eliminating disfunctions and pain to optimizing your movement.
That’s the end result.
Contrary to what you may see or hear, Functional patterns is not just about addressing pain: it’s helping human beings move better, have a firmer understanding of their bodies.
If that doesn’t perk, you’re interested, I don’t know what will.
But all I’ll say is that functional patterns is a great investment, if you’re to miss out you’d be hard pressed to hop on the train later.
Check out and see what functional patterns is all about!
The Functional Dance: Enhancing Wrestling Techniques with Functional Patterns
You might be wondering: how can functional patterns elevate the art of wrestling? Let’s delve into a specific wrestling maneuver known as the ‘shot’ – an aggressive move to engage one’s opponent. Now, bear with me for a moment, I’d like to draw a parallel between the mechanics of this move and running. Surprised? Let’s connect the dots.
In an earlier article, I discussed the body’s inherent biomechanical blueprint. If you’re interested in a deeper dive, I’d suggest referring to my post on the “Functional Patterns Big Four.” But for now, let’s discuss running. How does it really work? The initiation of a run begins from the top, cascading downwards. It kicks off with the rhythmic pumping of arms, followed by a twist in the torso. This rotational movement triggers a kinetic chain, propelling the leg forward in a step. Imagine it as a system of pistons and spirals working in harmonious synchrony.
So, you may ask, what does running have to do with a wrestling shot? Focus on a particular segment of the shot: the ‘drop step.’ As you commit to this move, the body sways to one side. As you lower the knee, a counter-rotation sets in, prepping your other foot to spring into action – a perfect setup to complete your takedown.
Pause for a moment, and let’s shift gears from running to walking. I introduce you to the term: ‘Contralateral.’ Simply put, it denotes the opposite sides of the body working in tandem. Imagine this: as you stride forward with your right foot, your left arm instinctively moves forward, and vice versa. It’s a fundamental yet intricate dance our bodies perform unconsciously.
Applying this to wrestling, envision taking a shot, aiming for a double leg takedown. It might begin with the right foot while your upper body leans to one side. As the move progresses, a body rotation ensues, pulling the left foot forward, thus achieving a reciprocating motion reminiscent of our natural walking rhythm.
But of course, mere words might not capture the full essence of this intricate choreography.
If this piqued your curiosity, and you wish to explore the biomechanics of shooting in wrestling or jiu-jitsu further, feel free to connect. I offer both in-person and online consultations to guide enthusiasts and athletes alike on this fascinating journey.
The Functional Essence of Jiu-Jitsu: Unlocking Mastery Through Biomechanics
In my journey through the realms of martial arts, Jiu-Jitsu stood out as a profound revelation. It became a lens, offering clarity into understanding functional patterns. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this insight.
The Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu Success
What does it truly take to excel in Jiu-Jitsu? Patience, observation, and determination emerge as the foundational triad. These universal principles are ones we all resonate with. Jiu-Jitsu, often heralded as one of the most demanding pursuits, constantly challenges one’s physical limits, the looming threat of injuries, and the intricate techniques of arm locks and chokes.
But here’s an illuminating perspective: what if functional movement not only enhances your Jiu-Jitsu but also offers that humbling lesson reminiscent of your initial days in the dojo? Intrigued? Let me break it down.
The Dance of Functional Movement and Jiu-Jitsu
Whether you’re out for a leisurely stroll or deeply engaged in a Jiu-Jitsu match, our muscles are tirelessly at work. At a beginner’s level in Jiu-Jitsu, it’s easy to lose oneself in the whirlwind of movements.
For instance, when executing an armbar submission that demands you to leap over an opponent and latch onto their arm, are you consciously aware of the muscle dynamics? Can you visualize the pattern and synergy of muscles propelling you to that precise motion?
While to an untrained eye, the move might seem like a simple sequence, it’s anything but. Venturing into the functional mechanics: executing that armbar means harnessing the power of the glutes and quads for that leap, then landing with precision, squeezing the inner thighs to secure the arm, and finally, drawing the arm close using the biceps and lats. A perfect sequence, an orchestrated dance.
Principles of Movement: From Survival to Mastery
I often differentiate training into two categories for my Jiu-Jitsu clientele: the Functional Principles (FP) and the Jiu-Jitsu specific techniques. Diving into the FP, we have core motions like walking, running, standing, and throwing – primal movements integral to our survival since the dawn of humanity. These are movements we’ve evolved with, from learning to stand as infants to hunting with precision to feed our tribes.
From my extensive experience, these motions, when executed with awareness, can have almost therapeutic effects on the body.
Here’s the crux: movements, whether they are as primal as walking or as specialized as a wrestling shoot, are guided by inherent principles. While I’ll save an in-depth exploration for another article, understand this – functional training for Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about isolated muscle work. It’s about an integrated, harmonious effort.
Jiu-Jitsu, after all, isn’t bodybuilding. And while some might juxtapose the two, they truly aren’t analogous. The key lies in grasping that the body operates as a cohesive unit, not in isolated compartments. This understanding doesn’t just deepen your grasp on functional movements but can elevate your grappling prowess exponentially.
The next time you find yourself in a Jiu-Jitsu class, I challenge you to be hyper-aware, to sense the play of muscles, especially during intricate moves. And if you wish to deepen this awareness, I’m here to guide you.
Stay curious, stay integrated. The essence of movement awaits your discovery.
When I first started functional patterns the same way any new client comes to me, it is the best way to describe it, overwhelming.
It’s overwhelming in the sense of that, I feel like a stranger in my own skin. So perfect example, the best way would describe functional patterns is looking at fundamentals from every dimension period.
You walk everyday right?
Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, mid stride while walking:
“What are the fundamental principals that allows me to move like this as a bipedal human creature?”
That’s a strange thought to have for sure but its a thought of great self awareness to the fundamental ways your body moves.
The important thing to take away here is:
You desk walking period. Question for you how many of you walk on a daily basis period if any of you answered? No, unless of extenuating circumstances, I’m going to take a guess that we all walk. Correct period. Now let me ask you another question.
Have yours. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself? How are the muscles helping me walk and literally pause mid-stride and feel out with the muscles are doing period. That’s essentially what functional patterns does. Is it takes you to the fundamentals and get to the deepest root of how our body functions period?
Now you may laugh and say walking what do you talking about? Well let me tell you from personal experience and also experience as a trainer thus far, I will never look at walking the same and any movement for that matter period.
I will never look at walking the same, or any movement for that matter.
Todd Mueckenheim aka Skippy Dynamite
So you start thinking to yourself, what else don’t I know about the most fundamental things like basic movement?
So, let’s take grappling for example, right? So if walking is a fundamental movement then grappling is definitely considered as more more of an advanced level of movement.
I can’t help but laugh at myself from my experience as a grappling teacher and now I wish I could speak to some of my first time students.
There was this one particular student who came to me one day when I was teaching the triangle choke technique and he was like: “yeah, no problem”.
You just got a scoop, grab the shin lock, the leg up. Make sure you have the angle at, just the right place and you’ll get it.
Needless to say later on down the road, he told me:
“Hey coach, remember that one day when you taught me the triangle choke? I won’t lie to you; I was completely an utterly confused.”
Which now from my new perspective I realize that, yeah, that’s because a movement like that is complicated and there’s a lot of different motions happening .
Now, if you’re let’s say a very athletic person or advanced Jiu Jitsu practitioner you might scoff at this, right?
But hear me out, we’re always preaching learning the fundamentals, right?
And that can carry over into your business, you’re livelihood, your family relationships.
This is why I enjoy functional, patterns thoroughly because it gives you a lens to look deeper.
That is why I believe functional patterns is a value to anyone of any age.
Because if you believe that the pain that you’re feeling is irreversible,
I would contest that with the right mindset and looking at something from multiple dimensions,
you two can find yourself pain free and then asking for how much more capable can you be with your own body?
Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Functional Patterns certified trainer
