Run smoother: Bite-sized movement routines for your best feeling stride.
Hey 👋, my name is Aaron and I’m a movement coach. I’ve worked with thousands of people always with the goal to help them feel confident in their bodies, specifically building strength for the activities they enjoy or want to do in the future. Along this adventure of movement coaching, I founded an app called movr. movr is a word that promotes movement, but really it’s an invitation to explore a better way of experiencing your body, every day. When first chatting with Filsan and her mission with PLR, there was an immediate connection in shared beliefs and values:
‘We meet you exactly where you’re at (no need to be a pro runner) — come as you are, because that’s already perfect.’
We love and share the same message, meeting you right where you’re at. The movr app is our continued invitation to give you exactly what you need, when you need it the most. Your body is made to move so let’s discuss how to improve while making that experience as feel good as possible. movr is your daily tool, your daily medicine, the way of moving that will help your body feel great. But let’s talk about running! Keep reading for my thoughts on how to best prepare your body for running at any level.
A few simple guidelines to think about
Let’s shake the belief that running = tight parts of your body or pain in others. Running really doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Achy knees, tight hips, low back discomfort or just general feelings of ‘ugh’ do not need to be synonymous with a walking/jogging/running routine.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to what exercise will help us improve how we move and feel. We are all unique and that’s what makes our path to moving our bodies exciting, special, and well, our very own. So when someone says ‘I’ve got the 1 secret exercise!!’, approach with caution. The truth is, we all, individually, have one or two secret exercises that will be exactly what our bodies need.
It doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Contrary to what the internet may say, building foundational strength and stability in your body to support your running routine can be as simple as 5 minutes a day (I promise).
We all need a foundation. Everyone, all of us, each person! We all need awareness in our breathing, awareness of our mobility, and awareness of our core and hip stability in order to run comfortably.
Ways to use movr
I get frustrated when I read blogs or opinions online that are passionate about problems and then skim over any solution. So instead of airing dirty opinionated laundry, my hope is that if you’re still reading this and curious as to how you can implement a simple habit of movement training into your schedule… that you’ll walk (or jog) away from this read with an understanding of how you can take action right now.
movr helps you identify areas of opportunity in your body. This means discovering parts that are more or less restricted in their movement … and then providing exercises to either mobilize or strengthen the areas in need. This allows your body to function in smoothness or in sync. When we’re doing that, physical activity isn’t a chore, it’s an enjoyable experience!
You can use movr in 2 ways to facilitate your best feeling stride.
#1: For personalized movement instruction
Download the app.
Do your Movement Assessment
Follow the prescribed exercises from the assessment
Only 5 minutes a session required!
Supplement with ‘pre or post run’ exercises
#2: Generalized run content
Download the app
Complete onboarding
Select ‘Everyday minis’
Explore pre and post-run minis
Supplement with foam rolling minis
Some Minis to check out
I thought it’d be nice to make it easy for you to engage with some of our favorite pre and post-run minis (although the best thing you can do is supplement your running with in-app prescribed exercises). Do these however often your body needs - one a day is a great habit to start. I stretch, do strength work or foam roll when my body is cranky, tight, or not comfortable when I’m out on a run. So check in with yourself and ask yourself what you need and commit 5 minutes to provide that experience for yourself.
*Each below mini is only 5 minutes in length:
At the end of the day, I believe the most important thing for us to do is take the time to give ourselves a bit of self-love. Self-love in my books is an action, so moving, running, jogging or opening up tight hips and doing some core work to strengthen your stride… those little acts all add up to more a positive experience of self. It’s what I’m most passionate about and feel privileged to be sharing with you. So get out there, move your body, love the skin you’re in, and if movr can help you move better, hey, we’re all winning.
Aaron de Jong
Founder
movr