07/07/2025
When I first reopened Compelling Fitness I really was unsure as to what to expect or where things would go. I knew it would be a challenge after closing up during Covid and it has definitely been all of that. More than I expected actually. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to figure out who I am now and what Compelling Fitness is.
So who am I and what is Compelling Fitness? Well, I am an almost 60yr old guy who still thinks I am 20 and try’s to act and perform as if I am but my body tells me differently especially on the recovery side. As a result, my focus has become less about training and more about understanding how my body has changed. I find that at my age it is less about building strength (although that is still very important) but more about movement efficiency. By that I mean understanding what my strengths and weaknesses are and challenging myself physically and mentally to work on patterns that have become difficult and or intimidating.
By taking this approach of physically challenging myself and mentally breaking down the barriers of movement (fear of injury or just feeling too old to perform). Not only can I still do what I want but actually improve on my strength, mobility and efficiency of movement thereby reducing the risk of injury and limit recovery time. Most importantly I gain self-confidence that I can still make progress regardless of age or what I may feel are physical limitations.
Now I am not saying that I do not get injured or push myself too hard because I do but I recover and keep moving forward. If all I do is what is easy and feels good, the scope of what I do and can do will become smaller and smaller with each passing year. So, when I have to step outside of that bubble (perform an action or movement I have avoided) the bubble will ultimately burst resulting in injury or something that I may not recover from or will lead to more pain and limitations.
So, I see myself as more of a teacher/educator of what I do rather than just training someone. I want you to learn and give you the tools and knowledge needed to take responsibility for your own health.
Below are things I look at for myself continually as they help me live the life I want and I want to PLAY!
- Understand how you move (Strengths and weaknesses, movement imbalances)
- What you need to do to keep doing the things you love (challenge yourself physically and mentally)
- Why have you stopped doing a certain pattern? And do you want it back (Fear of injury – physical or feeling old – mental)
- How to prevent injuries from happening and if they happen how to recover safely and quickly (Don’t let the fear of injury prevent you from moving)
- How to reduce and or eliminate chronic pain (What is pain? Lack of movement and stiff, injury related or mentally afraid causing anxiety bringing about tenseness and pain)
- Maintain good posture
- Continually improve on your overall efficiency of movement
I am not saying these are the answers to everything but it is what has worked for me so if you are interested in learning more about what I do and see if we are a good connection than reach out and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks, Bret
