Is the 416™ Method For Me?
It’s common to hear, "I'll reach out when I’m in a better place," and I often find myself chuckling inwardly and nodding along. What we often overlook is how our egos can hinder our well-being. Despite technological advances, billions spent on fitness, supplements, and the latest weight-loss fads, one thing remains constant: our persistent pain and problems that never seem to fade. We chase after the perfect doctor, try every diet under the sun, and yet, we still find ourselves asking,
"What am I doing wrong? Why isn’t this working?"
Consider these questions:
Why do so many dedicated fitness enthusiasts, even those who have been exercising consistently for 20 years or more, end up with joint degeneration and orthopedic issues in their hips, back, and knees?
Why does our current fitness model lead to so many injuries, dysfunctions, and chronic pains?
Why do diets often fail, causing us to regain the weight we worked hard to lose?
The answer is that despite technological advances and conventional wisdom about fitness and diet, what we've been taught about achieving optimal health and fitness may simply not be true.
Sue Hitzmann, a remarkable mind in the field, once said:
"A healthy body is one where all systems effortlessly connect, support, and maintain balance."
"You cannot be efficiently mobile if you are inefficiently stable."
This insight is spot on. When I discuss self-care techniques and their application to traditional and functional fitness movements like lunging, squatting, pulling, pushing, and rotating, integrating Pilates principles into these movements can make a significant difference. For starters, you'll experience improved posture. Why? Because you'll understand and utilize your breath more effectively.
Think about it: when was the last time you focused on your breathing or received instruction on proper breathing techniques? Chances are, it's been a while. Meanwhile, you might be pushing yourself in the weight room with poor posture, compressing your lower back, and neglecting the mechanisms that should support your posture. This often leads to issues like herniated discs and persistent discomfort.
By incorporating self-care and mindful breathing, you can enhance your stability and mobility, ultimately reducing pain and improving overall functionality.
I’m a straightforward person—some might even say too honest. So let me be clear: what you’re doing right now isn’t working, and it probably won’t work no matter how many times you try. Yet you keep at it.
So, is the 416™ Method for you? Absolutely—without a doubt. It’s for you, your friends, your family, everyone. I’ve been labeled as crazy by those who didn’t understand my approach, but I stepped out of my comfort zone, ignored the naysayers, and dedicated myself to finding a solution that actually works for me. Throughout my life, I was told I wasn’t proportional, that I grew too slowly or too quickly, but the truth is, I’m perfect just the way I am. I simply needed to understand how I operate and create a plan tailored to my needs. Once I had that plan and practiced it until it became a routine, I gained function, flexibility, and the ability to do what I want without fear or pain.
