One of the great things about Strength Flow is the ability to combine movements and training techniques into new exercises and workouts.
These movements, commonly referred to as “flows,” attempt to combine exercises in the most fluid way possible, allowing for a smooth transition from one to the next. The movements flows used are from varied discplines such as Kettlebells, Body Weight Primal Movements, Yoga and Martial Arts.
The individual exercises themselves are highly functional, requiring strength, conditioning, agility, and mobility all at the same time. The smooth transition from one exercise to the next requires a certain level of coordination and concentration, especially when done for time, speed, or high repetitions. This mental focus during strenuous exercise is very useful for anyone who has to do physical labor in tough conditions, namely firefighters, soldiers, and athletes.
Just like in martial arts, the proper execution of flows can show the level of ability of the person performing them. While basic movements may require some level of ability, these drills can take them all to the next level.
Whether you’re an extreme athlete, a yogi, a traceur, a strongman, a B-boy, an MMA fighter or just someone who likes staying in shape, you can benefit from more mobility, strength, endurance and power.
Also using animal forms for exercise and vitality which date back as early as 186 BCE, when the famous Chinese physician Hua Tuo promoted “Five Animal Frolics” which were the Tiger, Deer, Bear, Monkey and Bird. (Hua Tuo still appeared in the prime of his life when he was almost 100, and so was regarded as immortal.) Since then, many disciplines have used some forms of animal movements.
Other Benefits include:
Enhanced Workouts: No matter what style of training you prefer, your efforts will be improved upon by increasing your flexibility, agility, strength, power, endurance, coordination and speed.
Athletic Performance: One of the unique aspects of Strength Flow training is that it is multi-planar, meaning that you are moving through multiple planes of motion, rather than in just one like when running in a straight line. Thus, the carryover into sports and athleticism is much greater. As in playing an actual sport, you are teaching your body to coordinate its movements as an entire unit rather than compartmentalising.
Cardiovascular Training: You can choose how to structure your flow to achieve different cardio response. You can perform some explosive forms and switches that are very intense and challenge your anaerobic energy system, followed by shorter rest periods. For longer more aerobic results you can link together less demanding forms and switches that can be maintained for longer durations at lower intensities!
Stability: A number of the movements place the body in a “four Pillar” position which is with hands and feet in contact with the ground. This position allows all of the stabilization systems to be on and coordinating between each other. Everything from the writsts, shoulders, spine, hips and ankles. There is no joint that is left unchallenged!
Mobility/Flexibility: One of the elements that’s most often overlooked in training programs is joint mobility or flexibility. The flow workout pushes the body through movements that result in increased mobility and flexibility naturally. Stretching through movement, not isolation.