What is 'Advanced Fitness'?
'Advanced Fitness' is the type of fitness training developed to transform you into a BIG GAME Player! Below I share with you some of the distinctions between "Conventional Fitness" and "Advanced Fitness" and how the body is typically viewed in each. These descriptions are not complete, but are provided to give you a sense of the difference between the two types as I see it - and to create a new conversation with you. The idea is to begin to EVOLVE the meaning of "fitness" and to expand what is possible through it. It' s to begin to craft it into a practice that actually EVOLVES us and the way we live our lives so we can play the BIG GAMES we were born to play! As you read through each type, take a moment to notice your reaction. What thoughts show up for you? Which of these types of fitness resonates with you the most? Which type do you have experience in? What is attractive to you about each type? What questions come up for you? Let's take a look...
Conventional Fitness
Conventional Fitness is the type of fitness most of us our familiar with. Here the primary objectives are usually to "bulk up," "lose weight," "develop six-pack abs," "have a beach body," "get in shape," "increase cardiovascular health," "build muscles," "Increase strength and flexibility," "prevent disease," "improve movement quality and frequency," "look good naked," "reduce stiffness," "prepare for a wedding," and so forth.
These are all worthy goals and are often part of what my clients want to achieve.
However, these goals rarely evolve you or adequately prepare you for the growing demands of everyday life or satisfy the deep 'being needs' you have within you (like living a purposeful life, evolving spiritually, etc.). And they often do not equip you with practices you need to shape you and prepare you for your BIG GAME in life. In other words, Conventional Fitness is great - but it probably won't satisfy you, inspire you, or align with you as you mature through life and become interested in doing something WITH your life.
At The BIG GAME Dojo, we include the best of Conventional Fitness and also transcend it to make much more possible for you and your life!
CONVENTIONAL FITNESS and The Body
Here, the focus is more on the body as an OBJECT to be changed, fixed, maintained or altered in some way. Working ON the body is the main focus. Fitness workouts are often focused on working hard, pushing through, and creating benefits such as increased strength, power, flexibility, agility, aerobic health, and stamina. Can be highly challenging and enjoyable, especially if you resonate with the typical Conventional Fitness approach. Image, physical appearance, performance and function are often the primary focus. If not aware, motivation can be hijacked by fears associated with illness, loss of function, social disapproval, aging and death.
The body is often not given much attention (outside of goals stated above) unless it "breaks down" (typical medical approach) or becomes unacceptable ("I'm too fat!", "I'm too weak," "I'm looking too old.") If not careful, this approach can lead to being and living disembodied and out of touch with one's emotions, sensations, and felt sense of life and therefore less in touch with others and the world around us.
Through workouts, nutritional and behavior modifications, you notice changes in your body. And you may find yourself worried that you'll lose what you worked so hard to achieve. Embodied patterns may stay the same.
What is your experience with "Conventional Fitness"?
Advanced Fitness
Advanced Fitness is a new type of fitness that transcends and yet includes the best of Conventional Fitness. It's about more than just working ON the body. It's about working WITH (e.g. listening to it as a source of intelligence and guidance) and THROUGH the body. It's not just about developing the body - it's about developing your sense of self and your ability to express your highest aspirations THROUGH your body. Big difference!
Advanced Fitness is about maturity, mastery, meaning-making, and manifestation. We are concerned not only with physical fitness, but also mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational fitness - and how these impact your ability to relate to and contribute to the world around you. Advanced Fitness is about learning how to shape yourself into a new, more expanded version of YOU so you can skillfully navigate the challenges of everyday life AND masterfully play the BIG GAME you were born to play. It's about creating health and using that health to embody and fulfill your deepest desires, aspirations, and contributions. Inspiring!
As you begin to practice Advanced Fitness, you begin to experience TRANSFORMATION - not just of who you are, but how you relate, live, and contribute to the world around you.
ADVANCED FITNESS and The Body
The focus is on WHO YOU ARE (how you shape yourself) and how you MOVE and EXPRESS yourself in the various contexts of your life (work, parenting, marriage, spirituality, etc). Workouts are practice sessions where you become more aware of the habitual ways you live and move your body and your self. And the 'gym' is a dojo where you make transformative shifts in your body and way of being.
The body is the mechanism of the Self, receiving and expressing. It is the focal point of your Self relating - moment to moment - with others and the world around you. It is how the world touches you, and how you touch the world. You have a body and the body is who you are as an expression. It is the means by which you create and contribute in the world.
The body is the gateway to what is most meaningful and important to you. It is a reflection of your past, and can be an embodiment of your desired future. As you learn how to care for, listen to, and express through and as the body - you and your world are transformed. You become more "fit" in all areas of your life and more capable and engaged in playing the BIG GAME you were born to play!
Given these insights into "Advanced Fitness" what appeals to you the most? What would you like to explore more? How do you think this type of fitness training would impact your sense of self and the quality of your life?
