Increase proprioception = you are becoming more self aware with your body through movement.

This is a huge skill that takes a lot of time, trial and error, BUT even though it takes work its soooo worth!

Having understanding of how your body moves means you can start to self analyse. You can start to understand not only the movement but how your body moves, what is strong/weaker, what range you have and if there is limitations … HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THIS.

There is nothing more frustrating then when you either just can’t get the grip of a movement pattern or you’ve got the idea of it and you’re doing it but it feel awkward and all over the place - you’ll end up hating the movement and avoiding it - even though the fact its harder to do is highlighting the weakness in this range which gives it even more reason to be doing it (this movement that comes to mind for most people in this situation is any variation of a split squat/lunge.)

So proprioception means you are aware of your body through movement without needing a mirror or someone to correct you … you can just perform the entire full range movement to your ability with control.

This takes time and may be very frustrating but once you learn this skill and start to get into a more coordinated mindset you will not only improve a lift in the gym but your automatic response to the every day tasks will be safer and more controlled too.

You’ll be of less risk of injury as your self aware and body response will be faster to changes … like if you trip or change direction quickly you will be limiting unready stress that could cause pulls/strains.

If you want to build your confidence in the gym and in lifting you need to learn this skill and with strength training, the seriousness of the movements and the control your determined to find with developing increased tension within the body before you know it you’ll suddenly have this almost light bulb movements of WOW THATS WHAT THIS IS MEANT TO FEEL LIKE … and even though it takes time and effort once you’ve got it … you’ve got it!

Its just gonna keep getting better and better - imagine what can happen within 3 months of really focused effort when it comes to learning about how you personally move … now imagine if you keep up that effort what you’d achieve in 3 years! It’s actually crazy.

Don’t skip this step … take your time, I’m sure coming onto point 11 of the strength series you’re now seeing the importance of direct, controlled movements to build this skill you just need to really THINK ABOUT IT AND FEEL THE MOVEMENT.

Trust me when I say it will not only change your outlook towards your training but you’ll start to improve your own value … you’ll start to value your body more, every single inch of you will mean something because you know it all comes together to make you better.

If you want to get strong … I mean if you really really want to feel strong and powerful - this has to develop and you have to see this as part of the experience. It’s a life long skill.

Tap into your body with your mind … look at this as a full journey - when you enter the gym stop, register what’s happening, look at improving every area and you will seriously learn to love and appreciate every movements … even those disgusting split squats!