Balancing The Romantic And Classical Training Methods

During my podcast recording with Clifton (Cliff) Harski, I delved into an intriguing discussion that resonated deeply with me.

Cliff, a figure prominent in fitness spheres, has traversed various domains from MovNat to Animal Flow, Kettlebell athletics, Fitwall, and presently, the Pain-Free Performance Academy. With extensive workshop teaching and managing fitness ventures under his belt, Cliff brought forth an interesting analogy: describing something like MovNat as Romantic and generic group fitness classes as practical.

Here’s the full episode if you want to check it out:

This comparison reminded me of a distinction articulated by Frank Forenich.

Frank's exploration delved into the dichotomy between the romantic and classical approaches to training. His distinction revolved around the contrasts between intuitive and qualitative versus quantitative methods in training, as well as inner versus outwardly measurable transformations.

However, Cliff's perspective diverged slightly, highlighting disparities between a training approach centered on a grand concept versus one optimized for widespread adoption.

From this viewpoint, EMP might be considered the most romantic brand, given its alignment with broader ideals.

The podcast conversation sparked introspection regarding my personal balance of romantic and practical/classical approaches in training. This balance has been a central theme in our teaching methodology and my personal training endeavors for years. In essence, it mirrors the focal point of our debut podcast episode with Kelly Starret.

Throughout human history and ethnographic accounts, classical approaches haven't been imperative for achieving substantial movement proficiency. Yet, there's undeniable value in a certain level of quantification and the utilization of modern tools—a strategy widely embraced by the world's top athletes.

This balance has been particularly intriguing for me in recent months. While my aspirations lean toward the romantic, sustaining and advancing required a pragmatic reliance on classical and practical tools.

My goals encompass seeking meaning through self-integration, deeper connections with nature, others, and spirituality. However, my recent journey involved much more straightforward and common methods of self awareness.

I meticulously tracked calories, steps, heart rate variability, and resting heart rate via a smartwatch. I frequented two gyms regularly, recording all training details meticulously on spreadsheets. I monitored the symptoms of chronic inflammatory response syndrome meticulously through a dedicated spreadsheet.

My routine encompassed extensive treadmill sessions and strength training at Training Grounds in Bellingham. From November to February, my skill training took place indoors at Lifeforce Ninja.

Now, due to this dedicated groundwork, I've reclaimed a minimum of two days per week for training in nature. This base has made me healthy again to enjoy sessions varying from tree running to creek traversing, including intense climbs through waterfalls.

The experience of reconnecting with nature in my training is invigorating. The flow, joy, and connection I feel are distinctly different, amplified by the work invested in the gym and on my baseline health.

For years, my practice revolved around play and nature. However, at my lowest health point, the joy of play vanished, hindered by pain and fatigue issues. Even a mile's walk on bad days left me shaky and fatigued. On brighter days of the healing journey, the reward lay in exerting physical effort and observing incremental progress.

Through a reframe of time needed to heal rather than perform I found renewed appreciation for conventional fitness tools emerged— even an elliptical machine was a blessing post a sprained ankle.

Tracking my training facilitated exceptional progress, especially in recovering from significant health challenges. Regular feedback allowed me to discern health and performance changes, drawing solace from incremental improvements.

However, amidst this progress, I've begun questioning whether my mind is excessively drawn to measurable progress.

Strangely, logging accomplishments triggers a productivity-focused reward system. While this aids physical skill development, it might compete, to some extent, with motivations surrounding play and connection. On occasions, I prioritize my goal sheet tasks over engaging with training partners and their creativity.

I might be nearing a phase where I'll delve deeper into a purely romantic training mode. If so, I'll relish that experience while acknowledging the value of practical methods when needed. Strong systems supporting progress, even if they involve daily spreadsheet engagement, remain beneficial.

EMP's goal isn't regression to old methodologies but rather transcending modernist mindset limitations while integrating useful tools essential for the future.