Teaching the Old Dog New Tricks.

We've all heard the expression, "Teaching the Old Dog New Tricks". I have found in my pursuit of Fitness, that this is essential to attain a high level of General Physical Preparedness (GPP). Having a clear definition of Fitness and understanding the physical components that constitute being Fit, will guide you to enhancing your exercise variety.

Crossfit is a great way to implement this. This all encompassing approach to fitness, brings with it, an extensive list of gymnastic, weightlifting, and mono structural (cardio) exercises, which will continually get you learning and refining skills.

I personally find the gymnastic movements most enjoyable, challenging, and also very physically demanding. The fun aspect of learning new skills, and the feeling of attainment, makes exercise engaging.

I currently set myself a weekly goal - to achieve a new skill. In the last two weeks, i have learnt how to hold a headstand, and perform a double under with a skipping rope. The hard work you put in to learning a new skill, is a workout in itself! The feeling of achieving the new skill, after a lot of endeavour, is a feeling you savour, and a feeling you want often. This is what fitness is about!

Injuries often make you change the focus of your training, and you have to explore other movements/exercises. Learning new skills whilst injured (ensuring that the skill isn't exacerbating the injury!) is a fantastic tool for maintaining positivity in a negative situation.

"New Tricks", not only increase physical capacities, but increase mental capacities. The brain like your muscles has the ability to adapt through training and increase work capacity, this is known as neuroplasticity. Learning "New Tricks" form new motor programmes in the brain, which allow us to perform these "New Tricks" from memory when needed.

The pursuit of Fitness should facilitate growth both physically and mentally. Learning "New Tricks", is a fantastic way to increase your GPP.

Learn a new skill every week for the next month, and see how you feel!