Lately, I've felt like I've been reaching the limits of what science and research can show about effective training. It seems like the more I learn, the more I find out that things I did by instinct years ago were correct.
This morning for example, I went outside and did some intermittent running in the rain. It felt great! Then I headed down to the basement for some lifting. I did some deadlifts with no counting of reps or sets. I just lifted as I felt. I also grabbed a plate and carried it around for a while.
Is there a scientifically better way to train than what I just did? Possibly, but I'm now reaching the point where I think, "who cares?" I enjoyed my session and that's the most important thing long-term.
When I was out running, I saw an elderly person with a walker. It sort of hit me that the ability to move is not a given in this life. It also occurred to me that what I love is movement, not performance. Performance is using movement as a means to an end; yet natural movement by itself is enjoyable.
I have always loved movement, and the best kind of movement is free-flowing when little thought is involved. 3 sets of 10? Effective, but boring. Running laps for 20 minutes? Check the boring box again. Isn't it more fun to make it up as you go?
It's pretty obvious there is a huge difference in attitude towards movement between children and adults. I'm almost starting to believe that adults have inadvertently "imprisoned" movement. The underlying reason is (once again) money. Selling the need for health clubs, selling the need for expert instruction, etc., - it all works to undermine people's enjoyment of moving.
No one needs a license to move. It is our natural birthright. In the simplest way, movement is life.
