Movement practice – a trendy sport or something more?

Movement is a modern type of physical practice, where the primary value is not achieving specific results, but rather getting to know oneself, exploring the possibilities of one’s body and mind. Movement is a practice in which we engage all muscles and parts of the body, working with gravity, our own body weight, as well as with the process of creative expression that it immerses us in.

Movement – what is the practice about?

Movement combines elements of dance, acrobatics, gymnastics, parkour (overcoming urban obstacles), calisthenics (bodyweight strength training), and martial arts.

People who practice movement (commonly known as movers) often form local clubs and communities where they practice together, usually outdoors. Movement involves overcoming limitations, stepping out of the so-called comfort zone, and expanding the boundaries of one’s physicality. Practitioners seek their own individual movement style, which is authentic to them and allows them to express themselves.

In movement, attention is given to elements such as breathing, muscle tension, energy flow, integration with others, individual flow, as well as the thoughts and emotions that arise. The practice is about getting to know your body, its possibilities, and trying to experience it fully through movement. In movement classes, the focus is on developing fitness, which here is understood as the body’s flexibility, strength, endurance, and mobility.

Movement culture

The culture built around the movement practice by those who train it has mainly been spread through the work of Ido Portal, who is considered the creator of this discipline. He himself does not view movement practice as a sport, as it is entirely free from competition. It is also not focused on results or achieving any goals. Instead, it is based more on fun. Ido created movement centers that resemble true playgrounds for adults. His idea is to encourage the movement of childlike curiosity and experimentation with the body, its flexibility, and strength. The culture of movement is not only about individual work but also about interacting with others and entering into movement relationships with the environment.

Ido Portal – a movement enthusiast and boundary-pusher – has traveled many countries sharing his idea. Today, movement is being introduced into fitness clubs as part of their offerings and is becoming increasingly popular. Not without reason – after all, our bodies stiffen due to a sedentary lifestyle, as well as fitness exercises, in which their potential is not fully utilized.

Movement – who is it for?

Movement training is for individuals who want to deepen their awareness of their body and who accept as undeniable the fact that the body and mind are inseparably connected, and therefore, by training the body, we also master what happens in the mind.

As an inspiration, we recommend the documentary below (although it doesn’t have a Polish translation, it is still worth watching). And before you begin your adventure with movement, we recommend getting our timeless barefoot MS Explorer model, perfect for this kind of exercise.