play bodies: 2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

so how does it end?

"Move-orexia" is a word I made up to mean an excessive obsession with movement or exercise. This is inspired by Doctor Stephen Bratman's "orthorexia," which means an extreme preoccupation with only eating "pure" food. Being fanatical about anything takes the fun out of life.

Keep moving. Keeping learning. Keep smiling. Keep having fun.

This post marks the end of the blog. For more information, go to our play bodies Facebook page, where we share more articles and ideas. Thanks for reading.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Kettlebell Juggling Lesson by Ryan Raw

photo: Casse-croute sur un chantier à Paris dans les années 1930, source: berthomeau.com,
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

spiral freedom

To spiral the whole body feels liberating. I suspect this has something to do with following the stream of the spiral fascial lines.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Flow Movement by Marlo Fisken, Scorpion Curves Flow (part 1 and 2)

Saturday, October 26, 2013

barefoot tree climbing (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements. We document and share a catalog of movements.

This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Exhibit #48: barefoot tree climbing

Barefoot Tree Climbing by Anders Carlson-Wee

Friday, October 25, 2013

multivitamin and minerals in movement

"Movement practice that has been stripped down and emptied, one that poses little demand on systematic coordination, intelligence, skill acquisition, and ability is...JUNK MOVEMENT."
-- Ido Portal

We need a constant stream of motivation to do boring "junk movement," one motivational gimmick after another. On the other hand, with "movement nutrition," a phrase coined by Ido Portal to mean movement complexity such as gymnastic skills, you can throw all this motivation garbage out the window. You don't need it. Instead, you have commitment to an interesting and enjoyable practice. You commit to moving better and developing new movement skills (two pillars of the Ido Portal Method), and this makes you feel very alive.

From Ido Portal's videos, we get a glimpse of his commitment to preparation for more complex movement, such as for low bridge rotations. In addition to doing basic bridge push-ups, one arm bridge push-ups (difficult), we see him doing scapula mobilization and shoulder ROM (range of motion) routines, among other things.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

drawing above located in the National Archives, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

choreography on a pole (playbodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements. We document and share a catalog of movements.

This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Exhibit #47: choreography on a pole

GLASSDROPS by Marlo Fiskin

Thursday, October 24, 2013

systema back rolls (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements. We document and share a catalog of movements.

This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Exhibit #46: systema back rolls (play bodies movement gallery)

Combat Systema Back Roll by Kevin Secours

tactical gymastics on a picnic bench (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements. We document and share a catalog of movements.

This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Exhibit #45: tactical gymnastics on a picnic bench

Tactical Gymnastics Outdoor Exploration by Scott Sonnon

yoga for the kidneys (play bodies movement gallery)

Yoga for the Kidneys by Lya Mojica

make music with movement

Music is created by combinations of musical notes. In body movement, one movement follows another, just like musical notes. Indeed, movement flow is the music of the body.

One way to learn how to flow in movement is by combining a base position with other positions. For example, take the base position of the 90/90, also known as the shin box. From the 90/90, we can move into many other positions, as demonstrated in Dewey Nielsen's hip mobility sequence in the below video.

1) Reaching: thigh, shin, behind

2) Hip Switching: 90/90 rockover

3) Hip Switching: 90/90 wheel

4) Hip Switching: 90/90 to prone

5) Stepping: 90/90 rockover to hip up

6) Stepping: 90/90 rockover to hip up to step

7) Stepping: 90/90 post to step

8) Traveling: 'A' (click here for a tutorial on the pigeon walk)

9) Traveling: 'B'

And there are many more possibilities....

THE 90/90 by Dewey Nielsen

drawing courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

cleansing the intestines with the stomach vacuum and nauli

To do the stomach vacuum, keep your vacuum cleaner in the closet. The stomach vacuum, also known as the abdominal lift, hollows and lifts the stomach by primarily engaging the TVA (transverse abdominis). The TVA is a stabilization and exhalation muscle. It acts as a girdle for the abdominal region, protecting organs and supporting posture.

Stomach vacuums strengthen the TVA to increase spinal support. This movement is performed with the idea of time under tension. Repetitions don't matter. I do these sustaining a long and slow exhalation, rather than holding the breath.

The 'flicks' are performed with quick breaths and are more fun to do than the stomach vacuums.

To be able to do nauli requires a strong TVA and low body fat.

For these three movements, feel also the lifting of the other deep exhalation muscle: the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. Yogis claim these movements aid in cleansing the intestines.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Nauli by Yogi Nora

photo of vacuum by Adrain Pingstone, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

ministry of silly walks award winner

The winner of the play bodies Ministry of Silly Walks for the category of Athletic Silly Walks goes to...

SQUAT WALK UP THE STAIRS

Followed by this short video is Monte Python's classic scene for the Ministry of Silly Walks.

Click here for a tutorial on the squat walk (a.k.a. stealth walk)

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

'
Traversing Stairs by Andreo Spina

The Ministry of Silly Walks by Monte Python

photo of Copa El Pais (Uruguayan football tournament trophy by 'ftahm',
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

1930s "parkour" before it was called parkour (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #43: 1930s "parkour" before it was called parkour

Methode Naturelle 1930s by LoneDerangerr

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

floating bones

"Where you think it is, it ain't." - Ida Rolf

It is not so much the stacking of the bones that best defines the structure of the body. Movement challenges this idea. In using tensegrity to define the true structure of the body, the "bones are floating" -- that is, the bones are suspended in a web of fascia (connective tissue). Because of this high degree of interconnectivity in the body through a weaving process, where an injury is felt is often not the area that needs treatment.

The first video explains the concept of tensegrity, as a model for the structure of the body. The second and third show how injuries FELT on the front, lateral, back, and medial side of the knee can be treated with trigger point therapy on the weakened areas along the leg.

Tensegrity by ConsciousbodyNYC

Knee Injuries Part 1 & 2 by Flow

drawing by Dr.-Ing. S. Wetzel, Sadermiut man on an inflated walrus skin, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Monday, October 21, 2013

thou doth stretcheth the hamstrings too much!

Where there is joint instability, muscles tighten to protect the body. For example, instability in the back causes the hamstrings to tighten. This is the body's way to compensate for a lack of core stability or poor health of the spine. However, the typical "corrective action" for tight hamstrings is to stretch a lot. This, of course, does not address the underlying problem of instability in the back, and it can do more harm than good. Hamstrings have a low level of pro-prioception (perception of sensory information). By stretching the hamstring muscle too much, we decrease its already low level of pro-prioception. See the Laura Hames video below for a detailed explanation.

The body is not just intelligent; it's very intelligent. It's our job to understand how the body is designed to solve many of our physical problems.

Why Stretching doesn't fix tight hamstrings by LaceMarketClinic

How to NOT stretch the hamstring and get MORE flexibility by Laura Hames,
an Eric Franklin Method instructor

Illustration of Bacon & Shakespeare from Max Beerbohm's The Poet's Corner, 1904

courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

don't spill a drop of tea!

According to a Chinese legend, the Bagua tea cup movement was made famous at the dining hall of the emperor's palace. The emperor was very impressed by a waiter who in the midst of a crowd avoided contact by spiraling his arms in all directions. Not a drop of tea spilled.

At play bodies, we haven't yet tried holding tea cups for this movement. We prefer to hold a squash ball or tennis ball with the palm up. The movement can be done with an empty hand, but it's more fun to hold a small ball.

With the tea cup movement the shoulder, spine, elbow, and wrist move as one unit. Some therapists teach this to patients with rotator cuff problems and shoulder impingement. As the saying goes, "movement as medicine." We all need freedom of mobility.

"You need humility to climb to freedom." - Rumi

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Tea Cup Exercises 1 & 2 (whole body mobility) by CHW55555

photo above scanned from the book, Japan and Japanese (1902), courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Saturday, October 19, 2013

no bo diddley, no bo jangles, just the bo staff

photo of Shaolin monk, Shi Van Ming, taken by Luigi Novi, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The bo staff is historically the most common weapon for Shaolin monk warriors, and for good reason...they're not supposed to kill.

From the two selected videos below, not only will you gain some idea of how to spin a bo staff and how it is used in combat, you can also learn how to count to ten in Japanese. The techniques are learned by practicing with slow movements. If you try this, "don't cover your eyesight, so you can see what's going on." With time and effort, the movements will become fluid and imprinted into memory.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Bo Staff Spins, Video 1 by ShaolinCenter (Jake Mace)

The first 2 sets of primary moves with the bo by hempev

bring spring into the winter...

...and into the Fall, Summer, and Spring, too.

Stretch and build strength all at once. A fun and effective way to do this is with a Pilates Reformer, which uses metal springs for resistance. The Reformer is great versatile tool for a complete body "workout."

A much cheaper tool than the Reformer is a resistance band (more on this later). You can also stretch and build strength at once without that any tool by just using your body weight, the ground, and the wall for resistance. To learn how read Bob Cooley's book on "Resistance Stretching": The Genius of Flexibility; The Smart Way to Stretch and Strengthen Your Body.

My recommendation would be to never lock yourself into one system of movement. Be a craftsman of many tools. Draw from your toolbox various tools -- the means -- to meet the same end (stretch and build strength at once, for example). This preserves freshness into your movement practice year round.

Below is a video demonstration of an advanced movement on the Pilates Reformer, followed by a similar movement pattern with just the body. For the latter, imagine the ankles as metal springs to spring up into the movement.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Pilates Reformer to Mat Sampler by Rosato Method Pilates Jeanne

photo above: Scott Pilates Reformer class at Toronto Corp. Training Center by Merrithew Corp.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

the belly is the boss for the push-up

Here we again with the belly... remember our 'strong man says, "don't hold the belly in!"? This was about what to do with the belly in a natural postural position. Now we'll tell you the opposite for doing push-ups; don't let the belly hang!

"The belly is boss for the push-up" means let the belly lead the movement while the abdominal muscles are contracted. The tendency is to lead the push-up with the shoulders or the butt. When the belly leads the movement, the body is in a plank position, as in one solid and straight piece. In the push-up, the proper form is to keep this shape.

The push-up builds strength in the front muscles of the body and the triceps. Once you have mastered the push-up, explore more playful variations. For some variations, the belly is the boss. For other variations, the butt or the shoulders is the boss. Most the time with the push-up variations, the belly is still the boss.

Below are two instructional videos on the push-up. Part 1 covers the mechanics of the push-up, and part 2 covers the mechanics of the variations. The instructions are top-notch and the narrator's voice sounds a bit like that of Bill Walton, the NBA Hall of Famer. If you watch these, you'll know how to squash the troll.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Bodytribe Movement Lab: Pushups, Part 1 and 2 by Bodytribe

photo of Homer Simpson on the grass by Jim Champion, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

no agony of "de feet"

Bruce Lee said, "...Baby you'd better train every part of your body!" Well, that includes the feet. Move and massage the feet, so there won't be any agony of "de feet."

To self-massage the foot, roll a ball under the entire foot. Be sure to also roll on the inside and outside edges. To stretch the plantar fascia, place the ball at the edge of the heel toward the middle of the foot. If you got a dog who loves to put a ball in his mouth, don't forget to do your dog a favor by washing your feet before the foot rolling.

Below are three short videos to demonstrate.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a qualified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Feet Exercises! by BalletLisa

Tennis Ball Under Foot by Jonathon Fitzgordon

Dr. Frank Lipman's Easy DIY Massage by Daily Candy Video

photo of feet of Shravanbelgoa Goma statue by Mathew Logelin

awaken the qi within (play bodies movement gallery)

noise in the head (play bodies movement gallery)

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

six degrees of freedom

If you're an airplane pilot, you're familiar with the six degrees of freedom for movement of the airplane. If you're not an airplane pilot, this is still important for you to know because you are the pilot of your body, and you're probably not moving in all the six degrees of freedom.

The Six Degrees of Freedom (DofF) consists of:

Translation type of Movements

1. moving up and down or vertical movement (heaving)
2. moving left & right or horizontal movement (swaying)
3. moving forward & backward (surging)

Rotational movements

1. tilting forward and backward or curling and arching (pitching)
2. tilting left and right or twisting on the horizontal axis (yawing)
3. tilting side to side or twisting on a vertical axis (rolling)

Scott Sonnon's Circular Strength Training was designed to have the body move in all six degrees of freedom and combinations thereof. The idea is that if you don't move on all six DofF, you can't effectively absorb or generate force. Holistic strength and mobility involves moving effectively in all six DofF. We do, afterall, live in a three dimensional world. Why are so many of us training as though the world were two dimensional?

In play bodies, we use substantially less resistance for rotational movements. Too much resistance places sheering forces on the intervertebral discs, which may cause the discs to bulge or herniate.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

The Six Degrees of Freedom by StillnessGym

Drawing by Horia Ionescu, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

what do you do for cardio?

Here's a good answer. This one contains foul language.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

What do you do for cardio, CT? by CT Fletcher

Monday, October 14, 2013

amphibian - reptilian reflex movement pattern

The word, 'amphibian' literally means double life. Amphibians live a double life in both water and land. Amphibian larvae are 100% aquatic. As adults, amphibians spend most of their time on land, and return to the water to cool off or escape predators.

There are 3 orders of amphibians:

1) Anura (frogs and toads)
These have powerful hind legs that move symmetrically for propulsion.

2) Urodela (salamander)
These walk and swim in side-to-side undulations of the body.

3) Apoda (caecilians)
Caecilians is pronounced like Sicilians but are quite different in nature. These resemble worms (legless and burrowing). They move with snakelike motion.

We humans can playfully imitate their movement patterns. The amphibian - reptilian reflex movement pattern, which is somewhat similar to how a salamander swims, is said to release loaded stress in the neuro-motor sensory systems. See video below for a demonstration.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

NOW Amphibian - Reptilian Swimming Reflex
by N-TOP Neuroligical Training for Optimal Performance of Italy

photo by Bill Bouton, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sunday, October 13, 2013

homeless in a handstand (play bodies movement garllery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #40: homeless in a handstand

Man lives homeless in a handstand by Tim Shieff

Saturday, October 12, 2013

le clubbell (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #39: le clubbell

Clubbell Circular Swing Strength - Heavy Mills by Christophe Simao

the indian club (play bodies movement gallery)

Friday, October 11, 2013

how your spinal cord is like a sponge

"We should not confuse resistance with strength. Resistance is when the body says, 'No!'"
-- Laura Hames Franklin, an Eric Franklin Method educator

We love movement, but we never said all movements are good for the body. Watch this video to see how lengthening the spine while twisting may be harmful to your spinal cord. Rather than lengthen the spine to prepare for a twist, just keep it in a neutral spinal position, neither in flexion or extension.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Yoga Twists and Yoga Postures: Good or Bad for your Spine? by Laura Hames Franklin

photo by Peng, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, October 10, 2013

rollin' rollin' rollin' before runnin' runnin' runnin'

Rollin', rollin', rollin' a ROLLING PIN before runnin', runnin', runnin'... Don't stretch before you run. Use a rolling pin, instead. This warms up the muscles by bringing in blood flow. Also, using a rolling pin after running can reduce your recovery time.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Don't Stretch Before Running by theschoolpsych

photo of rolling pins by Jeff Kubine, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

the great indoors

"Inside of a Room" by Tihanyi Lajos, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

During the cold winter, the warmth that shelter provides makes for the "great indoors." For movement indoors, we need open space and free space on walls. Chances are you'll have to remove clutter, both on the walls and floor. We are a culture of clutter.

Free space on walls is not just for hand stand support. The video below shows us another fine use of it.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Walking the Walls by Jonathon Fitzgordon

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

from russia with move

The Russian Kick has its origin in Russian folk dancing. Like other movement skills, it's learned from a progression. What does it take?

Balance. Mobility. Stability. Speed. Hamstring flexibility.

Is that asking too much?

Here are 2 tutorial videos on the Russian kick.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

How to Breakdance | Russian Kick | Footwork 101 by VincaniTV

Breakdancing How to do Russian / V Kicks Tutorial by MexiSpice

photo by Victor Grigas, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

strong man says, "don't hold the belly in!"

Madison Avenue (i.e. the American advertising industry) has convinced the public into wanting "six pack abs." This should come as no surprise; Madison Avenue is in the business of vanity.

Very strong rectus abdominis muscles are not an indicator of overall health. And too much attention on the physical appearance of the stomach area may cause a physiological disfunction.

Let the belly hang. Holding the belly in causes an inability to breathe deeply. The diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. When not shallow breathing, the diaphragm pushes out the viscera (organs in the abdominal cavity) with an inhale. Letting the belly protrude is natural and healthy. And lastly, it is impossible to relax and hold tension simultaneously.

Six Pack Abs Can Ruin Your Life by Elliott Hulse

source of photo: De Guerville, A.B. "New Egypt." E.P. Dutton & Co., NY, 1906, p. 169
courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

walk like a ninja!

Ninja skills take years of training to learn, but you can learn to walk like a ninja in just one day!

The lower your body is to the ground, the more challenging the ninja steal walk becomes. The advanced version of doing this is the stealth squat walk....stepping forward from a flat footed squat position while remaining low to the ground with an upright torso.

Below is a tutorial on the ninja stealth walk.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Stealth Walking #1 (Heel to Toe and Feel) video #199 by ChosunNinja

sketching by Katsushika Hokusai, courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

the astavakra pretzel

Astavakra Enters the Palace (embellished and paraphrased retelling of a story)

Asta means 8. Vakra means deformities or bends. And this why Astavakra was the name given to a boy born with 8 deformities.

When Astavakra was a young man, he went to the king's palace. He crawled his way to approach the esteemed yogis of the palace and said," I want to learn yoga."

The yogis mocked him, "You! How can a cripple do yoga?"

Astavakra cleverly stopped the mocking with these words, "Excuse me. I thought I was speaking to the finest yogis in all of India, but I was obviously mistaken. You are not yogis. You are shoemakers!"

The yogis were shocked by his impudence. "Shoemakers? Why do you call us shoemakers?"

Astavakra replied, "What you call 'yoga' is moving the skin. Does not a shoemaker do this with hide? You obviously don't know the first thing about yoga!"

The faces of the yogis scowled. While it was fine for them to insult others, it was not fine for anyone to insult them. They called the guards. "Arrest this man!"

Fortunately for Astavakra, King Janaka had overhead the conversation from the hallway. He stepped into the room and commanded, "No, do not arrest him!" He walked toward Astavakra, who was on floor. "Tell me. What is the first thing to know about yoga that these 'shoemakers' do not know?"

Astavakra bowed to the king. "Your highness. Yoga is not really about acrobatics or athleticism, although these are beautiful things. The first thing to know about yoga is that it must come from within."

King Janaka realized Astavakra's wisdom surpassed that of all of the yogis in the palace. And he rewarded Astavakra by appointing him as his guru.

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The astavakra pose, which is pretzel-like, is named after Astavakra. Here is a tutorial.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Easy Arm Balance, Astavakrasana with Kino

Monday, October 7, 2013

banana + asana = ?

banana + asana ≠ keep the doctor away

banana + asana ≠ hanging from a tree

banana + asana = bananasana

Even if you are one to eat 30 bananas a day, you only need to do 2 bananasanas, one on each side...and not everyday. And you get to be the banana!

Bananasana is a restorative yoga pose that is held for 3-10 minutes. In the bananasana, the side of the body (obliques, intercostal muscles, gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, and the IT band) is being stretched.

When finished with both sides, you can draw the knees into the chest. This makes for a nice counterpose.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Bananasana, Restorative Yoga Pose by Ekhart Yoga

buster keaton boxing (play bodies movement gallery)

taiko drummers (play bodies movement gallery)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

calisthenics on a bench (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #35: calisthenics on a bench

The Bench by Calisthenicmovement

great moments in sports (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #34: great moments in sports

Greatest Moments in Sports by theSeanGshow

hacky sack goddess (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #33: hacky sack goddess

Unseen New Footbag Goddess 2008 by ThisisDream

moon shine movement (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #32: moon shine movement

Moon Shine wiht Shiva Rea: Yoga at Home from Yoga Journal

parkour in nature (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #31: parkour in nature

Parkour: Return to the Source by prAna

tompkins square park, nyc (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #31: tompkins square park, nyc

Keith Horan, Tompkins Square Park and Calisthenics

calisthenics on chairs (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #31: calisthenics on chairs

Calisthenics on Chairs by Luke Appleby

swim with no water (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #30: swim with no water

Emilie Conrad's Comments on Flight Plan by Continuum Movement

wushu power, grace, and speed (play bodies movement gallery)

Wushu Power, Grace, and Speed by Nike

jumping masai (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #28: jumping masai

Masai Jumping Competition by carfew

gymnastics in slow motion (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #27: gymnastics in slow motion

Gymnastics in Slow Motion by MyIntelEdge (performed by Leslie Mak)

gain one thing, lose another (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #26: gain one thing, lose another

"For Everything We Gain, We Lose Something Else" by Elliot Hulse

Saturday, October 5, 2013

locomotion research (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #25: locomotion research

Locomotion Research by Ido Portal

bboy assasin (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #24: bboy assasin

Assasin - New Choreography by snsy00

art of pilates (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #23: art of pilates

The Art of Pilates by Patricia Duchaussoy

sufi dance (play bodies movement gallery)

parkour imagination (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #21: parkour imagination

Imagination is Everything by matt63productions

rotational kettlebell play

In the video below see Coach Tara demonstrate rotational kettlebell play. What is the only thing she has to say about it? "Fun!"

Lateral swings should be included in the warm-up phase. These movements should not be performed without proficiency in basic kettlebell movements.

Her advanced level "playout" (don't say workout):

5 repetitions for each movement, keeping the spine long

Begin with right hand, rocking laterally.

1. Rotational Snatch
2. Windmill Press
3. High Pull
4. Clean & Twisting Snatch

Say, "fun!" and do the same with the left hand.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety. Watch this one on youtube.

photo by Detlf Romeike, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Friday, October 4, 2013

interview with a dragon (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

The purpose of the videos is to document and share a catalog of movements. It is for entertainment purposes only.

Exhibit #20: interview with a dragon

Bruce Lee: In his own words by John Little

bare-handed ascent (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #19: bare-handed ascent

The Ascent of Alex Honnold by CBSNewsOnline

downhill bike race (play bodies movement gallery)

Exhibit #18: downhill bike race

Insane Downhill Bike Race in Chile by BSSTVNetwork

Michael Jordan at age 23 vs Michael Jordan at age 39 (play bodies movement gallery)

Exhibit #17: Michael Jordan at age 23 vs Michael Jordan at age 39

Michael Jordan Gatorade Commercial

we are all butt muscle smashers

Right now you are smashing your butt muscles (gluteus maximus) and the hamstrings. Why? Because you are sitting. We spend too many hours of the day sitting, and this causes weak butt muscles and hamstrings.

What to do?

Sit less.

Walk more. (Not driving to the gym to walk on the treadmill but using your body as transportation)

Squat.

Strengthen the butt muscles and hamstrings (kettlebell swings, lunges, variations of squats, dead lifts)

Above all, MOVE!

Reminder #1: Do only what is appropriate for your unique body.

Reminder #2: We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Why are your hamstrings so weak? by Upright Health

photo by Isabelle Grosjean, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, October 3, 2013

chair as a prop (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #16: chair as a prop

Variations of Urdhva Dhanuranasa using a chair by essentialyoga

systema flexibility (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #15: systema flexibility

Systema Flexibility Training from the Scott Sonnon tapes

benny hill chase scene (play bodies movement gallery)

Exhibit #14: benny hill chase scene

Benny Hill Chase Scene by WGHP-TV

senzala de santos (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #13: senzala de santos

The Best Capoeira Video Ever by www.d1autremonde.com

pommel horse (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #12: pommel horse

Pommel Horse: Variations on Hanumanasana

improbatics (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #11: improbatics

Improbatics -- Mindfulness by Luis Ernesto Sarabia Toledo

new movements (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #10: new movements

New Movements by kathrynbruniyoung

free man (play bodies movement gallery)

The play bodies movement gallery is an exhibit of artful body movements. For the movement gallery, we not editorialize or comment on the movements.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.

Exhibit #9: free man

Andrey Moraru Hand Balancing -- "FreE MaN"