Animal Flow: what you need to know.
Certain movements don’t get enough credit when it comes to strength gains.
The big moves- like squats and deadlifts- are stars for a reason; they’re fundamental patterns that create full body strength.
But you know what helps with ALL those movements? Ground based movements like the ones in Animal Flow…let’s discuss.
What is Animal Flow?
It’s a system of movement- created by long time certified personal trainer Mike Fitch- that uses bodyweight ground based movements used in yoga, calisthenics, and gymnastics. Although the moves themselves aren’t always unique, the system is; each movement is given an animal name that resembles its movements. This makes them easier to remember, and allows for easier programming when used in a flow.
It’s broken down further into six components that each serve a particular purpose:
- Wrist Mobilization exercises to prepare hands and wrists for all the ground work ahead.
- ...
Let's talk about minimalist shoes and hiking...
You might know by now that I love a good barefoot training session…
But what about other activities?
Your feet have more nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of your body.
They constantly supply our brains with information about the surface below our feet, and in turn our brain sends back info on how to navigate it.
The more experience you have connected to the ground, the move info you have and the bigger potential to improve how you move overall.
No, going minimalist isn’t for everyone. Especially if you’re working through acute pain.
But a long, gradual switch from most stable to less stable shoes can do a lot- to not only improve how you move, but prevent pain from your feet to your whole body.
What is Animal Flow?
I have always looked at animal movements as the cornerstone of just moving better.
Crawling, rolling, reaching in all the ways and directions makes for a strong body. And not just strong in the traditional sense- like being able to squat 300lbs- but building the kind of strength that prevents you from hurting yourself when you squat that 300 (or 30 ).
The kind of strong that allows you to stay away from sprains and twists when you fall. Or pick up something at an angle. Or reach behind you to get something heavy. You know, the kind of strong we need in everyday life.
Animal Flow (AF) is a system of putting moves together that I’ve used with clients my whole career, but in a more streamlined way (here's a more in depth post breaking down all the components of Animal Flow).
I became an AF instructor to learn their system of this type of movement- and then I integrated what I found most useful into my own programs.
When I'm working with clients one on one, we use AF move that are...
Author
Gretchen
Coach
Growing up I was a half-hearted athlete who struggled with my relationship with both food and exercise. I smoked for over a decade and spent much of my youth either binging or not eating at all. But after breaking my leg in a car accident, months of physical rehab and years of psychological counseling lead me to a renewed appreciation for my health and my ability to just move-something I'll never take for granted again. I overcame a lot and have spent much of my life sharing what I've learned. I became a NASM personal trainer over 16 years ago. The type of clients I've trained and my own personal interests lead me to attain many other certifications. These include Sports Specific and Orthopedic exercise specializations, Pre and Post Natal exercise, MMA conditioning, and ACE Mind Body Specializations. I've taken 2 TRX qualifying courses in general and functional fitness. I am Kettlebell certified through both NETA and Kettlebell Kings, also completing an independent study facilitated by Steve Cotter, founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation. I am also a certified Animal Flow Instructor. In the fall of 2021, I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Facilitator, as IE was integral to my own ability to divest from diet culture. I think this was the missing piece to be able to put together a holistic, meaningful training program for all my clients.
