ABS WORKOUT

If one has not yet been acquainted with the concept of animal flow, it is a form of bodyweight training that imparts the essence of exercising without the use of weights, relying solely on one's body and the ground beneath. Similar to the finest calisthenics workouts, animal flow involves performing bodyweight movements on the floor, albeit in a sequence or flow, as opposed to sets and repetitions. It can be likened to a fusion of strength training and yoga, and serves as a suitable bridge between weightlifting enthusiasts and those who prefer restorative exercises.

In an attempt to ascertain the effects of a week-long animal flow regimen on my physique and to rekindle my passion for bodyweight exercise, I dedicated 30 minutes each day to this practice. The following are the outcomes of my endeavor.

Expressing a desire to explore animal flow is akin to expressing a desire to embark on a weightlifting journey. It is not a matter of simply lifting a heavy weight and performing bicep curls or deadlifts. Instead, one must commence at the foundational level and gradually progress from there.

Animal flow can be likened to a form of artistic expression. Therefore, rather than haphazardly delving into an advanced YouTube class, I directed my focus towards mastering the fundamentals. I diligently adhered to a 30-minute animal flow beginner class for the duration of seven days. My sole objective was to observe any advancements between my initial and final sessions, as well as the impact it had on my overall well-being.

I have observed the practice of animal flow, but have yet to fully comprehend its principles. This form of exercise embodies the essence of functional training, enhancing the quality and scope of one's movements and the manner in which the body functions throughout the day.

However, I was unaware of the level of structure and progression involved in animal flow. Its objective is to consciously unite the body, breath, and mind, a formidable task, in order to enhance balance, coordination, mobility, flexibility, range of motion, proprioception, and to cultivate strength, power, stability, and endurance.

A study conducted by Animal Flow and Dr. Jeffrey Buxton revealed that regular practice of an animal flow routine, specifically quadrupedal movement training (QMT), results in improved functional movement, range of motion, stabilization, and flexibility markers. This discovery was previously unknown to me.

I did not anticipate the level of difficulty that animal flow would present. It demands a significant amount of energy to effectively manipulate one's body through unfamiliar ranges of motion, particularly when each movement necessitates precise control.

During my initial class, I was introduced to four level one movements: the loaded beast, front step through, underswitch, and jumping side kick through. However, the entire program encompasses approximately 75 movements, spanning from beginner to advanced levels. Consequently, the possibilities are endless.

After the first day, I was completely exhausted, and although my stamina improved over the course of the week, I still found the routine to be challenging by the seventh day.

On the seventh day, I experienced a remarkable sensation. I observed a marked improvement in my mobility, flexibility, and reduced stiffness in the mornings, which consequently led to enhanced movement quality during my CrossFit sessions. My hips and hamstrings exhibited greater flexibility, my core felt fortified, and I even detected a slight improvement in my posture.

While it is true that a week's worth of practice may not be transformative, I was astounded by the heightened awareness and connection I felt with my body in just seven days.

I have always had a deep passion for instructing mobility classes, and I strongly encourage my clients to incorporate them into their weekly fitness regimens. Enhancing mobility and flexibility not only serves as a protective measure against injuries, but also enhances posture and form during physical activity.

To my surprise, I found immense enjoyment in acquiring this routine, and the 30-minute class seemed to pass by in a flash. Additionally, I experienced a sense of tranquility. Intrigued, I conducted some research and discovered that numerous studies indicate that the gentle nature of repetitive movements can induce mindfulness.

Furthermore, rhythmic motions, such as those found in animal flow exercises, possess therapeutic effects on the nervous system, promoting both physical and mental grounding. In fact, one study even revealed enhancements in cognitive function and working memory following meditative movement.

I have already made a commitment to include one animal flow routine in my exercise program each week, and I am eager to acquire and master as many movements as possible. Moreover, the convenience of being able to perform these exercises anywhere and at any time, without the need for equipment, is an added benefit—although it does require a certain level of patience.