Erwan Le Corre is the founder of MovNat. MovNat is a physical education system. Natural movement is the basis of the MovNat method. Parkour shares the philosophy of movement efficiency with MovNat.
Ever felt like your workouts are… well, unnatural? Like you’re a hamster on a very expensive, very shiny wheel? Then let me introduce you to Erwan Le Corre, the maverick and visionary behind MovNat. Think of him as the architect of natural movement, designing a fitness experience that throws out the treadmills and embraces the wild.
So, what exactly is MovNat? Imagine a physical education and fitness system rooted in the way our ancestors moved – climbing, crawling, jumping, lifting. Basically, all the cool stuff your body was designed to do. Forget isolating muscles in a gym; this is about integrated, functional movement in the real world.
It’s no surprise that MovNat is booming in popularity. In a world obsessed with sculpted abs and marathon times, it offers something different – a return to our natural physical potential. It’s about rediscovering the joy (and challenge) of moving like a human being. Erwan’s vision invites us to ditch the sterile gym environment and reconnect with the primal power within us.
Are you ready to move the way nature intended? To unlock a stronger, more capable version of yourself? Then stick around. We’re about to dive deep into the world of MovNat and rediscover the incredible potential of natural human movement. Get ready to unleash your inner wild child!
Decoding Natural Movement: The Core Philosophy of MovNat
Alright, let’s dive into the real heart of MovNat: Natural Movement. Forget those sterile gym environments for a second and picture this: our ancestors, not pumping iron, but navigating dense forests, scaling rocky cliffs, and fording rushing rivers. That’s the kind of movement that MovNat is all about! Think about it – our bodies are the product of millennia of evolution, designed for a huge range of movements far beyond what we typically do in our modern lives.
So, Natural Movement isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s the very foundation upon which MovNat is built. It’s about tapping into those deeply ingrained ancestral movement patterns that are practically hardwired into our DNA. We’re talking about the movements that kept our ancestors alive and thriving. Evolutionary Biology gives us a big nod here, reminding us that our bodies are masterpieces of adaptation, finely tuned for a diverse array of physical challenges. We were born to move, not just sit at desks and stare at screens!
Now, let’s throw another term into the mix: Physical Literacy. This isn’t just about being able to do a movement; it’s about understanding the movement, feeling comfortable and confident in your own body, and being able to adapt to any physical situation. Imagine a child effortlessly climbing a tree, not because they were specifically trained to do so, but because they possess the inherent physical intelligence and awareness to navigate the challenge. That’s Physical Literacy in action! In MovNat, it’s a huge deal! Competence and confidence are key, enabling you to approach physical challenges with a sense of playful exploration rather than fearful trepidation.
And finally, let’s not forget the massive benefits of reconnecting with these Natural Movements. We’re talking improved strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. But it’s so much more than just physical gains. It’s about boosting your mental clarity, reducing stress, and fostering a deeper connection with your body and the world around you. Essentially, Natural Movement isn’t just a workout; it’s a pathway to holistic health and well-being. It’s about reclaiming your innate physicality and becoming the strong, capable, and adaptable human you were always meant to be!
The Building Blocks: Exploring Core MovNat Exercises
Okay, so you’re curious about getting down and dirty (sometimes literally!) with the nitty-gritty of MovNat, right? Forget those repetitive bicep curls in the sterile gym environment. We’re diving into the foundational movements that built humanity, the stuff our ancestors did without even thinking about it. Think of this as unlocking your inner Tarzan…minus the loincloth (unless that’s your thing, no judgement!).
First, let’s get one thing clear: MovNat isn’t just some random collection of exercises. Each movement is carefully selected and practiced to build functional fitness, which means you’re training your body for real-life scenarios. We’re talking about the kind of fitness that helps you navigate the world with confidence, whether it’s hoisting a heavy bag of groceries, scrambling over a fallen log, or just keeping your balance on a slippery sidewalk.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the core exercises you’ll encounter on your MovNat journey:
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Crawling Variations and Their Benefits: Think beyond the baby crawl! MovNat incorporates a bunch of crawling styles – leopard crawl, bear crawl, commando crawl, you name it! Why? Crawling builds serious core strength, improves coordination, and is fantastic for shoulder mobility. Plus, it’s surprisingly tiring! It’s like a full-body reset button. You can underline or italicize that!
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Jumping Techniques for Agility and Power: Jumping isn’t just about leaping over things (although that’s part of it!). It’s about developing explosive power, improving landing mechanics, and enhancing your overall agility. MovNat incorporates various jumping techniques, from simple two-footed jumps to more complex leaps and bounds. Prepare to feel like a kid again! And, yes, you’ll get to jump over things sometimes. Emphasis on the “fun”!
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Lifting and Carrying Methods for Strength and Endurance: Forget those perfectly balanced barbells! In the real world, objects are often awkwardly shaped and unevenly weighted. MovNat focuses on lifting and carrying real-world objects – rocks, logs, sandbags – in a way that builds functional strength and endurance. You’ll learn how to lift safely and efficiently, protecting your back and maximizing your power. It will challenge your balance, stability, and grip strength, far beyond what a dumbbell ever could.
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Balancing Exercises for Stability and Coordination: Walking on a perfectly flat surface is easy. Try walking on a narrow beam or a rocky trail! MovNat balancing exercises challenge your stability and coordination in a variety of ways, from simple standing balances to more complex movements on uneven surfaces. This not only improves your physical balance but also sharpens your mental focus. Balance is key, folks.
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Introduction to Combatives for Self-Defense Awareness and Functional Movement: No, MovNat isn’t a martial art. But it does incorporate basic combative movements to develop self-defense awareness and functional movement skills. These exercises teach you how to protect yourself, move efficiently in close quarters, and generate power from your entire body. It’s about being prepared, not paranoid.
Functional Fitness in Action
So, how does all this translate to real life? That’s where the magic of functional fitness comes in. Functional fitness trains your body to perform everyday activities with ease and efficiency. Instead of isolating individual muscles, MovNat focuses on compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This not only builds strength and endurance but also improves your coordination, balance, and overall movement quality.
Real-World Applicability
Imagine you’re hiking in the woods and need to cross a stream. With MovNat training, you’ll have the balance and agility to navigate the slippery rocks with confidence. Or perhaps you need to move a heavy piece of furniture. MovNat teaches you how to lift and carry it safely and efficiently, protecting your back and minimizing the risk of injury. The ultimate goal is to be prepared for anything life throws your way. It’s all about adaptability and resilience!
Unleash Your Inner Wild Child: Why MovNat Loves the Great Outdoors
Forget the sterile, climate-controlled gym – MovNat is all about getting down and dirty with Mother Nature! Why? Because the real world is the ultimate training ground. Think about it: our ancestors didn’t have treadmills or weight machines. They had forests, rivers, and mountains. And guess what? They were pretty darn fit. MovNat taps into that primal connection, reminding us that our bodies are designed to move in natural, not artificial, environments.
Trading Treadmills for Trails: The Outdoor Advantage
Imagine swapping your predictable treadmill for a winding forest trail. Suddenly, every step becomes a mini-adventure. Uneven ground, fallen logs, slippery rocks – these aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities!
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Proprioception Power-Up: Navigating uneven surfaces forces your body to constantly adjust, boosting your proprioception (your body’s awareness of its position in space). This translates to better balance, coordination, and injury prevention in all aspects of life.
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Functional Strength Fiesta: Lifting a rock, scrambling over a fallen tree, or even just maintaining your balance on a slope engages muscles you never knew you had. It’s functional strength training at its finest, preparing you for real-world challenges, not just gym exercises.
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Adaptability is Your Superpower: The outdoors throws curveballs. Weather changes, unexpected obstacles – you have to adapt on the fly. This constant adaptation builds resilience, both physically and mentally, making you more capable and confident in any situation.
Nature’s Happy Pill: The Mental Boost
Let’s be honest, staring at a TV screen while running on a treadmill isn’t exactly inspiring. But breathing in fresh air, feeling the sun on your skin, and hearing the birds sing? That’s good stuff!
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Stress-Busting Bliss: Studies show that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). MovNat in the outdoors becomes a moving meditation, a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.
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Mood-Boosting Magic: Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness. So, MovNat outdoors isn’t just good for your body; it’s good for your brain too!
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Creative Spark: Ever feel stuck in a rut? A dose of nature can do wonders for your creativity. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors can spark new ideas and perspectives, making you feel refreshed and inspired.
MovNat in the Wild: Real-World Examples
Okay, so how does this all translate into practical MovNat training? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Log Leaping: Find a fallen log and practice jumping over it with precision and control. Focus on landing softly and maintaining your balance.
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Rock Lifting and Carrying: Find a rock that challenges you but is still manageable. Practice lifting it safely and carrying it over a short distance.
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Hill Scrambling: Find a steep hill and practice moving up and down it using different techniques, such as crawling, climbing, or simply walking with mindful awareness.
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Water Crossing: If you’re near a stream or river, practice crossing it safely, using rocks or logs as stepping stones. Be mindful of the current and your footing.
The possibilities are endless! The key is to embrace the unpredictability of the outdoors and let your curiosity guide you. So, ditch the gym, head outside, and rediscover the joy of natural movement. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it!
Becoming a MovNat Practitioner: Certifications and Community
So, you’re digging the MovNat vibe, huh? Awesome! Maybe you’re even thinking, “Hey, I could totally see myself teaching this stuff!” Or maybe you just want to dive deeper into the philosophy and techniques. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to explore how you can become a certified MovNat practitioner and join the awesome MovNat community!
Level Up Your Movement: MovNat Certifications
Think of MovNat certifications as your official “I know what I’m doing” badge. These certifications aren’t just pieces of paper; they represent a serious commitment to understanding and embodying the MovNat principles. The certification process ensures that instructors are not only competent in the movements but also understand the underlying philosophy and can safely guide others.
- Why bother getting certified? Well, for starters, it gives you credibility. Showing that you’ve put in the work, learned from the best, and met a certain standard. Secondly, it drastically improves your understanding of the MovNat method. You will learn about programming, cueing, and regressions to properly help others progress.
The Tribe Has Spoken: Joining the Online MovNat Community
Let’s face it: learning new things is always better with friends! The online MovNat community is a thriving hub where practitioners from all over the globe connect, share experiences, ask questions, and offer support. This is where you can geek out about the finer points of crawling, get feedback on your balancing skills, and find inspiration from others on their MovNat journey.
- Think of it as your virtual water cooler, where you can swap stories, celebrate victories, and commiserate over those days when the ground feels extra slippery. If you’re ever feeling lost or just need a little boost of motivation, the community is always there to lift you up.
Your MovNat Library: Books, Videos, and Educational Materials
Want to geek out even more? There’s a wealth of resources available to help you deepen your knowledge of MovNat. From books that delve into the philosophy behind natural movement to videos demonstrating proper technique, there’s something for every learning style.
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Books: Dig into Erwan Le Corre’s writings for an in-depth look at the foundations of MovNat.
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Videos: Visual learners, rejoice! Tons of videos cover everything from basic movements to advanced techniques.
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Workshops: Experience MovNat firsthand! Nothing beats learning from certified instructors in a hands-on setting.
Find Your Guide: Certified Trainers and Workshops
Ready to take the plunge? Finding a certified MovNat trainer is the best way to get started on your MovNat journey. These professionals have gone through rigorous training and are equipped to guide you safely and effectively. Search the MovNat website for a trainer near you or keep an eye out for workshops in your area.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find a trainer whose style resonates with you. The right instructor can make all the difference in your MovNat experience. Remember, the goal is to reconnect with your natural movement potential and have fun along the way!
More Than Just Fitness: The MovNat Lifestyle and Influences
MovNat isn’t just about squats and jumps – it’s a holistic approach that spills over into other aspects of life. Think of it as a lifestyle upgrade, not just a workout. Let’s dive into the elements that make MovNat more than just a fitness trend.
The Paleo Connection: Eat Like Your Ancestors, Move Like Them Too!
Ever heard of the Paleo diet? It’s all about eating like our hunter-gatherer ancestors – lean meats, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. Guess what? It vibes perfectly with MovNat. The Paleo diet focuses on fueling your body with whole, unprocessed foods, which complements the emphasis on natural movement. It’s about nourishing your body for optimal performance, so you can crawl, climb, and carry with the best of ’em! Imagine trying to tackle a MovNat course after chowing down on a pile of processed junk food… yikes! Paleo gives you the energy and nutrients you need to unlock your inner movement ninja.
Erwan’s Journey: From Streets to Streams, The Genesis of MovNat
Every great idea has a backstory, right? Erwan Le Corre’s journey is a fascinating one. Influenced by his father, a martial artist and athlete, Erwan was exposed to physical culture early on. From navigating urban landscapes to exploring the French countryside, he was always drawn to practical, real-world movement. Forget treadmills and weight machines. He drew inspiration from the way our ancestors moved and the way children naturally play. His personal experiences, combined with a deep understanding of evolutionary biology, led him to develop the MovNat method – a practical, physical skill-based style of training. It wasn’t just about getting fit; it was about becoming more capable, more resilient, and more human.
The MovNat Mindset: Adapt or… Keep Adapting!
MovNat isn’t just about physical skills; it’s about cultivating a certain mindset. It is about embracing the unpredictability and adaptability that are at the heart of natural movement. Life throws curveballs, and MovNat trains you to adjust and overcome challenges, both physically and mentally. You learn to move with confidence and purpose, whether you’re navigating a tricky trail or simply carrying groceries. It’s about seeing the world as your playground, and your body as a tool for exploration and discovery. The goal is to develop a natural and resourceful approach to life, where you can handle whatever comes your way with grace and efficiency.
Who is Erwan Le Corre?
Erwan Le Corre is a French physical educator who developed the Natural Method into a contemporary fitness philosophy. He advocates for the return to nature through movement. Physical autonomy constitutes the core of his teaching. Le Corre’s approach emphasizes practical skills. He promotes the development of a robust, adaptable body. His philosophy connects physical training with environmental awareness. The pursuit of primal movement skills is a key element in his methodology. He encourages individuals to cultivate a strong connection with their natural surroundings.
What principles guide Erwan Le Corre’s Natural Method?
The Natural Method emphasizes utility, strength, and resilience as primary goals. Movement efficiency, not aesthetics, determines success in this method. Natural environments serve as the ideal training ground. Adaptation to diverse physical challenges forms the basis of progression. The method incorporates ten fundamental movement skills like walking, running, jumping, climbing, crawling, balancing, throwing, lifting, and swimming. These skills facilitate comprehensive physical development. Self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility are integral to the practice. Mental fortitude develops through physical challenges in the method.
Where did Erwan Le Corre’s inspiration for the Natural Method come from?
Georges Hébert’s physical education philosophy served as a foundational inspiration. Le Corre modernized Hébert’s work for contemporary contexts. Evolutionary biology provides a theoretical framework. The need for humans to reconnect with their natural movement patterns is a central idea. Indigenous cultures’ movement practices offer practical examples. Environmentalism and sustainability concerns also drive his vision. His personal experiences in nature shaped his approach. The limitations of conventional fitness trends influence his method’s direction.
Why does Erwan Le Corre emphasize natural environments in his training?
Natural environments provide variable and unpredictable stimuli. These diverse stimuli challenge the body to adapt effectively. Smooth, artificial surfaces limit the range of movements. Unstructured terrains promote balance, coordination, and agility development. Exposure to nature reduces stress and enhances mental well-being. Natural settings encourage exploration and curiosity. The engagement with real-world challenges builds practical skills. This connection with nature fosters environmental awareness.
So, there you have it – a little peek into the world of Erwan Le Corre and his natural movement philosophy. Whether you’re already climbing trees or just thinking about ditching those running shoes, hopefully, this has given you some food for thought. Now, go get moving!