Brentwood: 7 Primal Movement Exercises for a Wild Workout

Primal movement exercises, inspired by the natural movements of our ancestors, can be a fun and effective way to enhance your fitness. These exercises engage various muscle groups, improve mobility, and challenge your balance and coordination. Here are seven primal movement exercises for a wild and engaging workout:

1. Bear Crawl:

- Start on all fours with your hands and feet on the ground.

- Crawl forward, alternating your hand and foot movements.

- Keep your core engaged, and maintain a flat back.

- Bear crawls enhance core strength, improve shoulder stability, and work your quads and hamstrings.

2. Crab Walk:

- Sit on the ground with your feet hip-width apart and your hands behind you, fingers pointing backward.

- Lift your hips off the ground and begin walking sideways or forward.

- The crab walk targets the triceps, shoulders, and engages your core and glutes.

3. Gorilla Hops:

- Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

- Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight, and touch the ground.

- Explosively jump up and forward, swinging your arms forward.

- Land softly and repeat.

- Gorilla hops enhance explosive power, leg strength, and coordination.

4. Lizard Crawl:

- Start in a push-up position.

- Bring your right foot forward and to the outside of your right hand.

- Walk your hands forward, and then move your left foot.

- This exercise improves hip mobility, works your core, and enhances shoulder stability.

5. Squat and Lunge Combo:

- Begin in a standing position.

- Drop into a deep squat, then explode up and into a forward lunge with your right leg.

- Return to the squat and then lunge with the left leg.

- The squat and lunge combo is an excellent lower-body exercise that targets the glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

6. Monkey Bars or Tree Climbing:

- Find a safe set of monkey bars or a sturdy tree with low-hanging branches.

- Climb across the bars or branches using your arms and legs.

- This exercise is an excellent way to improve grip strength, upper body strength, and coordination.

7. Pram Walk:

- Walk in a forward, side, or backward direction with a pram (baby stroller) or a weighted sled.

- Engaging in a pram walk adds resistance to your natural movements and provides a functional workout that enhances overall strength.

Remember to warm up before engaging in these exercises, maintain proper form, and listen to your body. Primal movements can be adapted to your fitness level, and you can modify them as needed. Primal workouts can be done indoors or, ideally, in outdoor natural settings, connecting you with nature while boosting your physical fitness.