In the midst of midlife, fitness isn't just about staying active—it's about reconnecting with our roots and rediscovering the joy of natural movement. As we navigate the complexities of this chapter, embracing activities that nourish both body and mind becomes paramount. Among the plethora of movement fitness options, one practice stands out for its holistic and grounding approach: Natural Movement. Rooted in the legacy of Georges Hébert and his Méthode Naturelle, this practice encourages us to move as nature intended, often barefoot and in close contact with the environment. Over under around and through the environment. Here's why every woman in her middle years should explore and embrace Natural Movement Training.
Table of Contents:
- Rediscovering Natural Movement
- Benefits of Training Barefoot
- The Healing Power of Nature
- The Legacy of Georges Hébert and Méthode Naturelle
- Becoming a Happy Generalist
- The Science Behind Nature’s Benefits
Rediscovering Natural Movement
Natural Movement, as advocated by MovNat founder Erwan Le Corre, is about reconnecting with the way our bodies are designed to move. This practice encompasses a range of activities like crawling, climbing, balancing, and jumping—movements that are instinctive and functional. For midlife women, this approach offers a way to stay fit while enjoying the fluid, playful, and practical aspects of movement. A reconnection with the inner child who felt the joy of movement rather than the discipline or guilt of exercise.
Benefits of Training Barefoot
Training barefoot is a key element of Natural Movement. Our feet are the foundation of our body, and being barefoot enhances balance, strengthens the muscles in our feet and legs, and improves proprioception (our sense of body position). For middle-aged women, who may experience changes in balance and mobility, barefoot training can help restore natural foot mechanics and prevent injuries. It also grounds us emotionally, something that any woman navigating negative symptoms of perimenopause or menopause will find useful.
The Healing Power of Nature
Spending time in nature is not just a pleasant escape—it has profound effects on our well-being. Natural Movement often takes place outdoors, allowing us to reap the benefits of fresh air, sunlight, and the natural environment. Engaging in a more multi sensory way of connecting with the world around us. Whether it's the aromas from forrest bathing or the textures of branches we can hang from, our awareness is heightened. This connection to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental clarity. For women in midlife, who often juggle multiple responsibilities, these moments of tranquility and grounding are invaluable.
The Legacy of Georges Hébert and Méthode Naturelle
Georges Hébert, a pioneer of physical fitness, developed the Méthode Naturelle, emphasizing natural, functional movements performed outdoors. His philosophy was simple: move naturally, be strong to be useful. This approach was later refined and popularized by MovNat. Hébert’s legacy continues to inspire a fitness approach that is accessible, practical, and deeply connected to our natural instincts.
Becoming a Happy Generalist with Natural Movement
In the realm of fitness, there's often a focus on specialisation. However, the principle of becoming a "happy generalist" emphasizes training a wide variety of movements for overall strength and functionality. As we age, our bodies benefit immensely from being versatile. Engaging in activities such as crawling, walking, climbing, running, throwing, catching, stepping over and under, swimming, and self-defense helps us develop 360-degree strength. This diverse range of movements ensures that our bodies remain robust, adaptable, and capable of handling various physical challenges that life may present. WE are balanced and are less prone to injuries as a result.
The Science Behind Nature’s Benefits
Research has shown that spending time in nature, whether in a park or near a large body of water, has significant physiological and emotional benefits. Exposure to natural environments can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels (a marker of stress), and enhance immune function. Additionally, being in nature boosts mood, decreases anxiety, and improves overall mental health. For midlife women, integrating more nature into their everyday life as a fitness routines can lead to a more balanced and harmonious state of well-being.
Conclusion
Natural Movement offers midlife women a dynamic and transformative approach to fitness that transcends conventional exercise routines. You don't need to like going to the gym to be strong capable and set up for a happy healthspan in the years ahead. By embracing barefoot training and spending more time in nature, women can rediscover their innate strength and vitality. Natural Movement invites us to explore our potential, enhance our well-being, and reconnect with the natural world. Becoming a happy generalist through varied movement practices ensures that our bodies remain strong, adaptable, and prepared for life's challenges.
So why wait? Embrace your inner strength, connect with the natural world around you and unlock your potential, and embark on a journey of vitality and self-discovery with Natural Movement. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
If you're looking for somewhere to start but not sure how or where, set up your free 15 minute Strategy Call so I can map out ways for you to start your Natural Movement Journey.
Feel free to reach and connect! I love meeting more midlife women who want to hang form trees and spend more time in nature.
If you havn't found a movement system that works for you yet, Natural Movement training maybe the hybrid one that could work for you...Book your call now.
