Fitness’s Ground Zero

Years ago in Montana while driving on a dirt road, my husband and I met a moose. It came out of a wooded area to our right, sauntered across our path, and disappeared into the wilderness to our left. Our car came to a full stop and we just stared and took it in. I’ll never forget that moose. He was strong and calm and elegant (and huge!). He didn’t panic at the sight of us humans, and he didn’t change his pace or alter his gate upon seeing us. He owned his space. 

Own your space. It feels as though I say this phrase (or something akin to it) in just about every workout, but it occurred to me that maybe people don’t know what I mean. And, what’s it have to do with fitness anyway? 

Well, it’s fitness’s ground zero. It’s the secret sauce! Having a solid communion with where you are makes all movement more effective and precise. Establishing your foundation actually precedes alignment and action. It’s what all good warmups should tap into immediately. When you finally kick off your shoes and go barefoot, or when you’ve been sitting most of the day and finally stand on your mat, there is a legit “where am I?” moment that should and can be eradicated pronto, simply by pulling the mind into the feeling body, and especially paying attention one’s feet. The mind asks the body, “Where am I?” The body answers with sensations and spacial awareness that alert you to, “Oh, here I am.” 

The moose in Montana knew exactly where he was – all of his movement, including his breath, showcased a high degree of owning his space – and it made him a total legend. I mean, it’s  20 years later and I am still obsessed with that guy! So let’s learn from him, and be like him. Root down, rise up, spread your wings and breathe, in this space, right here, right now. Own it.