Nature Fit Class in the Park

Movement-Nature-Community The trifecta that every happy human needs.

Come join us as we blend these three components into a fun and informative class!

What Is Natural Movement?

Natural movement is a broadly used term used to describe the host of movement patterns that the human body has been adapted to perform. We live in a world of modern conveniences in which the environment does not necessitate much need for movement, but this has not always been the case. The human body is evolutionarily adapted for survival. For many millennia, survival has depended on one's ability to run, lift, carry, throw, balance, jump, climb, and crawl.

Our bodies still crave the movement that we as a species have been performing for thousands of years. This is evident when you watch children play. It is their innate instinct to practice all of these natural movement patterns–and we as adults should be taking note!

Modern workouts can often be unnecessarily grueling, boring, or hard on the body. Chronic pain and injuries are more prevalent than ever as a result of either lack of movement, or well-intentioned overtraining. Find the balance that's right for your whole body with natural movement!

What to Expect

• The class will start with an embodiment practice which will serve to foster awareness of the way in which you move.
• A series of ground movements will be demonstrated, explained, and practiced to prepare the body for the more challenging skills that will follow.
• Two natural movement skills will be discussed in-depth. These skills will then be practiced as a group and/or individually as needed.
• The workout will consist of a circuit-style series of exercises called a Combo. 3-5 natural movement skills will be completed back to back to challenge your endurance through conditioning and to refine your skills through repetition.
• Check out the MovNat website for more information on natural movement.
• Expect to have fun, be challenged, and learn a lot!
• Consider bringing a water bottle, a towel or mat, and wearing minimal style shoes.

About Your Trainers Coach Melody aka Movement Goddess

Melody is a southern muddy mermaid originally from Louisiana who laid down her native Cypress Roots here in Austin 7 years ago. She is the founder of Austin’s first and only stand up paddleboarding school, Cypress Roots SUP Surf School. Melody began her movement career as a physical therapist assistant in 2002. She expanded into wellness with certifications in personal training, ACSM, 200 RYT Yoga Instructor, comprehensive pilates, TRX, BOSU, vibration plate training, myofascial massage, Thai Yoga bodywork, Reiki 2, and stand up paddleboarding. Melody has taught many styles of classes for all types of bodies for over 15 years. As a movement therapist, she helps her clients move with more ease, function, and mobility. When she isn’t working, she is surfing in the ocean or lake, stand up paddleboarding, jumping off waterfalls, climbing trees, or barefoot in nature.

Coach Allison aka Squirrel Girl

Allison is an Austin-native and founder of ReWild Austin– a business designed to help people connect with nature, learn Natural Movement, and find ease in their lives through deliberate play. Allison has worked in the fitness industry as an OrangeTheory coach for 4 years, holding a personal trainer certification from American Council on Exercise (ACE). She is a MovNat Level 2 trainer, and a Level 1 Animal Flow instructor. Allison is also a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. In her free time, you can find her climbing trees, exploring local parks, playing outside, practicing MovNat, or reading at the library.

PARKING AT THE PARK

To access the Kingsbury Commons entrance to Pease Park, there is a small parking lot at the front of the park at 1100 Kingsbury Street with 18 spots (2 reserved for accessible parking) and there is limited street parking in that area. There are also a few parking spots available next to Live Oak Meadow on Parkway, south of 24th Street. Another small parking lot is available in Pease Park’s Gaston Green area, just north of 26th Street off of Lamar Blvd.

We will be meeting in the grass field just past the playground. Look for the logs, rocks, and wooden 2x4s! An email will be sent out the day prior with contact numbers for the trainers.