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Movers Mindset

Movers Mindset

By: Craig Constantine
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 Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. In this podcast I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. This podcast is part of the Movers Mindset project, which is dedicated to exploring motivations behind movement and its fundamental place in society. Interested?2025 UmbrellaCAST LLC Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Curiosity with David Wilson

    Curiosity with David Wilson
    May 19 2025
    How can older adults reclaim movement as a joyful, empowering part of life despite pervasive cultural narratives about aging? Letting go of perfectionism opens the door to playfulness and self-compassion. "If I can be more compassionate toward myself, I can let go of this addiction to competence and just let myself try, and suck. So yeah, I have come to embrace the idea that if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly and playfully." ~ David Wilson (48:45) This conversation with David Wilson explores how movement intersects with aging, self-perception, and cultural narratives. David begins by addressing how deeply internalized ageist beliefs affect people's willingness to move, take up space, and try new things. The discussion challenges the idea that aging necessitates physical decline, emphasizing instead that variety in movement and awareness of personal stories can lead to growth and transformation at any age. David also critiques societal pressures that promote fear-based motivation, and he encourages a shift toward framing movement as a present-moment gift. The conversation moves through practical barriers and misconceptions that keep people inactive, such as rigid goals, perfectionism, and the belief that certain types of exercise are required. It emphasizes meeting oneself where one is, using personal values rather than fixed goals as guides. The importance of self-compassion, playfulness, and the willingness to "do things badly" is highlighted as a more sustainable path toward movement. There’s also a critique of mainstream fitness messaging, which often excludes older populations by failing to address their actual lived experiences. Takeaways Internalized ageism — Movement hesitancy is often rooted in lifelong exposure to ageist narratives absorbed from a very young age. Misconceptions about aging — Many decline-related assumptions are not due to age itself but to reduced movement and lifestyle limitations. Curiosity over goals — Letting go of rigid, timeline-based goals makes space for exploration and deeper engagement with movement. Compassionate self-awareness — Bringing compassion into one’s personal practice enables growth without harsh self-judgment. Playfulness as practice — Play offers a route to joy and learning, especially valuable when countering addiction to competence. Movement generalism — A broad, varied movement practice supports better adaptability and long-term capability. Fear-based fitness culture — Much mainstream messaging about aging and exercise motivates through fear instead of empowerment. Efficiency of the body — The body conserves resources by shedding unused capabilities, so maintaining movement variety is crucial. Accessible movement — Movement does not require equipment, special clothing, or gym memberships—it can be integrated into daily life. Time as a barrier — A perceived lack of time is the most common excuse for not moving, yet even minutes of activity show measurable benefits. Specificity of training — Effective physical preparation must match the demands of real environments rather than generic or repetitive exercise. Gratitude for the body — Pausing to appreciate the body’s enduring support helps reframe limitations and fosters a more engaged relationship with movement. Imagination of aging — How one envisions growing older strongly influences present decisions about health and movement. Practice as identity — How we treat ourselves in movement mirrors how we show up in the world and in relationships. Resources OldsCoolMoves on Instagram OldsCoolMoves website — David Wilson's web site offering online courses and information. Five Minute Movement — A series of short guided sequences emphasizing movement variety. Ageism Unmasked — Tracy Gendron's book exploring the deep roots and effects of ageism. This Chair Rocks — Ashton Applewhite's book offering another perspective on ageism and cultural narratives about aging. Road Scholar — A nonprofit focused on travel and education for older adults. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique. The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question. I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted. --- Thank you! My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and...
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    50 mins
  • Empowering with Nina Ballantyne

    Empowering with Nina Ballantyne
    Mar 12 2025
    What makes parkour jam spaces unique, and how do they shape the experience of movement, community, and accessibility? A church, a jam space, and a parkour gym—what do they have in common, and why does it matter? "The empowerment, and the kind of liberation to not care what other people think, does have a limit for some folk, I guess. I love it. I think for me, it's been great and really powerful. I really like not caring anymore about being bad at stuff in particular— that's so freeing." ~ Nina Ballantyne (14:00) The conversation explores the concept of parkour jam spaces, emphasizing how they lack defined boundaries, making them more accessible in theory but sometimes intimidating in practice. The discussion touches on the contrast between structured athletic environments and the open, fluid nature of parkour, where new participants must navigate unspoken social norms rather than physical barriers. The conversation also highlights the paradox of accessibility—while jam spaces remove formal entry requirements, social and cultural factors can still create obstacles, especially for marginalized individuals. The discussion transitions into broader themes of public space, inclusivity, and the intersection of parkour with community projects. A significant portion focuses on an initiative to purchase a historic church in Edinburgh and transform it into a community space. The conversation reflects on how physical spaces carry different meanings based on personal and cultural perspectives. The comparison between parkour jam spaces and community-driven spaces like the church highlights the broader theme of reclaiming and redefining public areas for collective benefit. Takeaways Jam spaces and accessibility — The absence of a physical boundary in a jam space doesn’t mean it’s truly open to everyone, as social and psychological barriers still exist. The role of unstructured environments — Unlike traditional sports with defined spaces and rules, parkour operates in public spaces, leading to unique challenges in inclusivity and belonging. Marginalized groups in public spaces — Individuals who are already scrutinized in society, whether due to gender, race, or body type, may experience additional barriers when engaging in parkour. The impact of early experiences — Many practitioners come into parkour without formal athletic backgrounds, which shapes their approach to movement and learning. Cultural norms within parkour — Different communities have their own customs, such as specific greetings or approaches to training, which can be both welcoming and exclusionary. Reclaiming public space — Parkour’s ability to redefine urban spaces extends beyond movement, influencing broader discussions about who has access to and control over public areas. Indoor vs. outdoor training — While some practitioners prefer the spontaneity of outdoor training, indoor spaces provide a structured environment that can be more accessible to beginners or marginalized groups. The intersection of parkour and community work — The discussion about repurposing a church into a community space parallels parkour’s ethos of adapting and reclaiming environments. The perception of churches as public spaces — Depending on cultural background, a church can be seen as either a welcoming community hub or an exclusive, imposing institution. The role of storytelling in community building — Sharing experiences and narratives within parkour fosters a sense of shared culture and belonging. The importance of understanding different motivations — Some practitioners seek challenge, while others prioritize playfulness, relaxation, or self-expression. The limits of parkour’s inclusivity — While parkour prides itself on being an open and adaptable discipline, social realities can still make participation difficult for some individuals. Resources Access Parkour — A parkour organization in Scotland that provides training opportunities and works on community-focused projects. Leith St Andrews Trust — The charitable organization working to purchase and repurpose a church in Edinburgh as a community space. Coach Europe — A parkour coaching conference that brings together practitioners to discuss teaching methodologies and movement philosophy. Richard Marshall — A parkour practitioner and speaker who discusses the importance of play in movement training. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique. The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations...
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    43 mins
  • Insight with Cristina Latici

    Insight with Cristina Latici
    Feb 27 2025
    What makes a great movement coach, and how do they balance structure, intuition, and individual learning styles to help students progress? Teaching movement is as much about reading people as it is about teaching physical skills. "You have to wait— you just have to wait and see. It's not always the right time to give feedback." ~ Cristina Latici (15:22) The conversation explores the nuances of movement coaching, particularly in the context of parkour and dance. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding each student’s background and learning style, emphasizing observation over immediate correction. Cristina describes her approach, which involves assessing a student’s experience, allowing them space to explore, and offering small, precise adjustments when necessary. She reflects on the parallels between her parkour coaching and her past as a dancer, noting how both disciplines require a deep awareness of movement and the ability to convey complex physical concepts to others. "[Yoda and Luke] are having a conversation and Luke's bitching, as usual. And Yoda says something to the effect of, "we are what they grow beyond." And the point that's being made is, if you're a coach and you don't make students who are better than you, you're not a good coach." ~ Craig Constantine (22:04) Another key theme is the role of community in movement practice. Cristina discusses how the group dynamic influences training, particularly when working with long-term students versus new participants. She also highlights the challenges of coaching adults versus children, explaining how her background in special education informs her patience and adaptability in coaching. The conversation touches on the idea of "touch" as an intuitive sense developed through movement practice, illustrating how familiarity with movement can enhance both safety and creativity. Takeaways Reading the student — A good coach observes and learns about each student’s background before offering guidance. Holding back feedback — Immediate corrections aren’t always beneficial; sometimes students need space to explore movement on their own. The role of community — A strong training group can create a supportive and engaging environment that extends beyond just learning new skills. Differences in coaching adults vs. children — Adult students can be given more freedom, while children require more structured guidance. Intuition in movement — Over time, practitioners develop an unconscious sense of movement that helps them adapt in unexpected situations. Bringing past experience into coaching — Skills from other disciplines, like dance, can influence and enhance movement coaching. Frameworks for structuring sessions — Having a strong guiding structure helps coaches tailor sessions to different groups and needs. Personal growth through coaching — Teaching movement involves constant learning and adaptation, even for experienced coaches. Adapting to different skill levels — Coaches must balance providing challenges with ensuring students feel comfortable and capable. Flow and connection between movements — The ability to link movements seamlessly is a key part of high-level physical practice. Resources The Movement Creative — The parkour organization where Cristina coaches, offering outdoor movement training in New York City. Gerlev Parkour Gathering — A well-known parkour event at Gerlev Idrætshøjskole Cristina mentions as a valuable training community. Yamakasi — The original founders of parkour, mentioned in relation to training approaches. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique. The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question. I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted. --- Thank you! My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more. https://ko-fi.com/craigconstantine — If you like what I’m doing, please support me via Ko-Fi. (I like Ko-Fi because they don’t take a slice from the money you contribute.) ɕ
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    47 mins
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