Learn how to develop better fitness and athleticism. Learn how to take care of your joints.  We will learn good technique for: Crawls. Jumps. Ground work. Get-ups. Throwing. Mobility work. Strength work. Balance. How to progress. Physical risk assessment.

Get your movements and body parts connected. Learn how to prevent and recover from injury. Learn some "prehab" as well as "rehab."

“Michael was truly a gem as an instructor! I loved the methods that were taught, his patience, and the simplicity to how everything was applied! I learned so much in a few hours!” –Brion R, Massage Therapist (LMT), about a one-day MovNat Elements Workshop, Oct 2021

In class, we will warm up and get mobilized, learn some technique, do a fitness routine, and cool down, as time permits. I'll lead you through the session and instruct you in technique. You will have exercises and techniques that you can practice on your own during the week and that will help you your whole life -- good for athletes, people starting to work out, future military or first responders, people wanting to be active, functional, and healthy. 

“My 12-year-old grandson considers functional fitness to be enjoyable and useful. He particularly appreciates this instructor’s approach.”
–Donna K., Outschool grandparent, “Functional Fitness (One Hour Group Class),” 19 Jun 2020

You'll need proper clothing and an area about 7 feet by 7 feet to work out in. 

I frequently do the class indoors so I know I'll have a good Internet connection and no rain. Sometimes, though, I might be outdoors. 

“I am shocked at how strong and balanced I am. I think about it all throughout the day. When I walk, I feel like I glide. I’m squatting all the time for fun now. AND I can touch my toes — never able to do that before. Only very sorry I didn’t invest in my overall physical health and wellness SOONER! Thank you for being a great trainer!” –Elizabeth M, teacher and a (MovNat) fitness client I’ve worked with for about two months, Jan 2022

Floor space specifications:
1.  a floor or mat on which you can safely roll or jump (like forward or sideways jumps) without slipping or falling over and hurting yourself;
2.  room to crawl around;
3.  about 7' by 7' or more. 

The kinds of things we might use in a class are: 
1.  a light but substantial object you can safely throw and catch;
2.  a 10-30 pound weight you can lift and carry around without hurting your toes or the floor;
3.  a 2x4, a baseball bat, an umbrella, or some other long object you can pick up off the floor using your shoulder;
4.  something you can walk on: a 2x4, a string laid on the ground, tape on the floor (if that is OK with the parents!), a line on the floor, a tow strap (tow as in towing a car).

Every week, I'll post in the classroom what equipment you'll need for that particular week. 

“My daughter loves to run but has never had anyone explain the best way to do it in order to get the most out of it and avoid injury, etc. This was the perfect class for her. As soon as she was finished, she demanded I take her out for a run so she could try out some of the tips and tricks she learned. Good class!” –Jennifer M., Outschool parent, “Physical Fitness: Good Running Technique,” 26 Mar 2020

Need more motivation? Consider this, from "The Shocking Phenomenon That Shows Just How Movement-Starved Modern Kids Really Are," Brandon Hall (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist): 

"Our vestibular system is stimulated and developed by moving through space in a variety of directions—particularly at high speeds. Thirty or 40 years ago, kids were getting all the stimulation they needed by participating in several hours of daily unstructured outdoor play. Not anymore. According to the Child Mind Institute, the average American kid now spends an average of just 4-7 minutes per day on unstructured outdoor play. Hanscom recommends, at minimum, three hours per day. Meanwhile, the average American kid spends about nine hours a day sitting down—whether that be at their desk or plopped down on their couch at home.

" 'They're not moving in all different directions,' Hanscom says. 'We're actually supposed to be moving in rapid directions on a regular basis. Kids should be rolling down hills, going upside down.' Kids are naturally driven to move in all sorts of ways during unstructured outdoor play. They climb things, they chase one another, they jump from high places, they spin until they get dizzy. That wide array of movement helps develop a well-functioning vestibular system, along with countless other important physical and mental skills. Now that unstructured outdoor play has become an afterthought in the lives of children, that natural development has gone missing." (from https://www.stack.com/a/the-shocking-phenomenon-that-shows-just-how-movement-starved-modern-kids-really-are)

Let's move! 

Note:
1.  As with all fitness programs, you should consult a doctor to verify fitness readiness. Please let me know of any underlying medical or biomechanics issues or movement dysfunctions you might have, so we can work around them if possible.
2.  As with all activities, do it at your own risk. You take responsibility for the risks involved. Since we are not working in person, I cannot be there to govern or have veto power over how something is done. 
3.  Make sure you have parental consent to activities and movements like crawling, jumping, throwing. (We will keep them safe and will aim to minimize risk.)

“My daughter was able to “teach back” lots of good running tips and clearly was very engaged throughout the class. She’s looking forward to implementing what she learned in the coming days.” –Sirid, Outschool parent, “Physical Fitness: Good Running Technique,” 27 Feb 2020

“My son, who loves running and doing track really enjoyed this class and was excited to share some of the new tips that he learned.” –Amanda R., Outschool parent, “Physical Fitness: Good Running Technique,” 28 Mar 2020