BASEWORKS FOCUS

There are certain conventional ways to group exercises based on which muscle groups they “target” and in which way, for example “core strength”, “upper body strength”, “flexibility”, “forward bends” etc.

In Baseworks, we use a completely different set of categories to talk about learning objectives of particular exercises/forms, which can also be used as organizing topics for practice sessions or events. In Baseworks, these learning objectives categories are called “Focus” (plural: foci).

FOCI OVERVIEW

ASCEND​

The ASCEND forms incorporate a step-by-step sequencing of movements from the fixed foundation of the legs through to the spinal column.

EQUATE​

EQUATE focus implements the Fixing-Separating-Isolating principle, the Oppositional Force movement patterns, as well as their simultaneous application, to build better awareness and control of the trunk movements.

ISOLATE​

The ISOLATE focused-forms involve working on similar movement within different positions in gravity to build a better visceral understanding and control/isolation of the hip movements and their functional relationship to the upper body.

STRUCTURE

The STRUCTURE focus is to establish a baseline visceral understanding of the body symmetry and the foundational dynamics of the Baseworks method.

TRANSIT

The TRANSIT movement dynamics is about being both malleable and stable. It explores the transitional movement potential within the space created by the methodological application of principles of Fixing-Isolating-Separating and Gridlines/Symmetry.

INFLECT

All the INFLECT focus plays on the "Flexion-Extension-Flexion" -- a Baseworks signature movement pattern of structured spinal movements. This pattern is applied across different positions of the body leading to a variety of physical and learning benefits.

TRANSPOSE

The TRANSPOSE focus in about developing the visceral understanding of the center of gravity within the different directions of physical forces, leading to improved stability.

TORSION

The TORSION focus explores the dynamics of the torso torque and lateral movement of the spine, while fixing the position of the pelvis and shoulder girdle.

GRAVITY

The GRAVITY forms focus on how Distributed Activation supports the body within the different directions of physical forces.

CONVERGE

CONVERGE movement dynamics involves overall body flexion, as well as strengthening a "hollow body" pattern. The CONVERGE forms work with an intentionally established Distributed Activation. Some of the forms also result in the automatic activation of the abdominal sheath due to the position of the body in relation to force of gravity.

EXPAND

EXPAND movement dynamics involves overall body extension, creating an open conformation. The EXPAND forms work on the awareness and control of the subtle movements of the feet, legs, hips, pelvis, ribcage, chest, shoulders, neck, from within different positions in gravity, to explore the compounded expansive potential of the body.

INTENT

The INTENT-focused forms with their structured movements and micromovements of the spine work to build a stronger visceral understanding of one's level of hip, spine, and ankle mobility. They also help to grasp the fundamental potential of intentionally influencing the reflex interactions between large opposing muscle groups.

Why does Baseworks need unique categories?

Shifting away from conventional fitness categories/definitions is essential in Baseworks to be able to break down pre-existing movement and thinking patterns.

This can be compared to how a painter may be given an exercise to draw a face from a photograph put upside down. Why? Because this will confuse the automatic perception mechanisms and prevent defaulting to a common face category allowing to see the lines that make up the face as simply lines, without assigning conventional meaning to them. For more examples, check out Betty Edwards and her “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain“

In Baseworks, we move away from conventional categories to the point where we define certain aspects of the Method as anti-functional movement.

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