Move Better, Then Move Deeper: The Foundation of Sustainable Practice
“Before we move deeper, we must first move better.”
This simple idea has shaped the way I approach movement, strength, and long-term mobility. Across disciplines—whether it’s yoga, martial arts, or Qigong—the deeper lesson is always the same: mastery begins with mindful, functional movement.
Foundations First
One of the first yoga texts I studied, Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha from the Satyananda tradition, didn’t begin with impressive poses or complex breathwork. It started with simple joint movements and core activation. These were not warm-ups in the casual sense—they were the essential groundwork, preparing the body and nervous system for stronger practices.
Years of AcroYoga only deepened this lesson. Returning to basic shapes and drills wasn’t regression—it was the very thing that allowed for growth. Without trust in the foundations, there’s no strength, no stability, and certainly no flight.
And now, as I continue to study under teachers like Tamara James and Simon Borg-Olivier, both senior yoga instructors and physiotherapists, the message remains consistent: functional movement is essential for staying injury-free and mobile, especially as we age.
Wisdom from Martial Arts and Qigong
In martial arts, too, much of the training is focused not on fighting, but on preparing the body: proper alignment, balance, breath, and structure. Under teachers like Jonathan Murphy in Brisbane, this approach is holistic and deliberate. Even Qigong, with its martial roots, isn’t about combat—its slow, refined movements are used to open energy pathways, regulate the nervous system, and develop internal strength.
The deeper you want to go, the better you must move.
Yoga Essentials for Strength and Mobility
No matter where you’re starting from—whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner—most of us want the same thing: to move with ease and confidence, to feel strong, and to avoid pain.
But sustainable strength doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from building a solid foundation.
I’ve been practicing yoga since 1990, and my goals have evolved as life has. What I’m most grateful for, in hindsight, are the teachers who taught me to prepare my body for stronger practices—safely, intelligently, and consistently. That mindset has helped me avoid major injuries and stay on the path.
So I ask you:
What are your exercise goals?
Are you chasing quick results—or building lasting strength and mobility?
How These Workshops Can Help
In my upcoming Yoga Essentials for Strength & Mobility series, we’ll return to the core of functional movement. These sessions are open to all levels and focus on the areas that tend to whisper before they scream.
Each workshop is two hours long to give you space to explore and embody the skills:
✅ Improve your range of movement
✅ Build confidence and stability
✅ Strengthen your pelvic floor for hip and core support
✅ Move from your spine and from your core—not just your limbs
✅ Strengthen and mobilize your feet and knees
✅ Learn to lift, carry, and get off the floor with ease
You’ll also learn how to:
– Flow between postures with more ease and less effort
– Prepare your body and mind for stronger variations
– Reduce injury risk and feel grounded in everyday movements
Practical Details
Clayfield Yoga Studio
Corner of Vine Street and Wagner Rds, Brisbane North
Dates & Times for May, June TBA
Saturdays @ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: May 17 | May 24 | May 31
Thursdays @ 7:15 AM – 9:15 AM: May 15 | May 22 | May 29
Wednesdays @ 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM: May 14 | May 21 | May 28
Investment
– Single Class: $45 (Non-Members)
– 3-Class Pack: $120
– 30% Off for Existing Members (check your email for the code)
– Concession rates available
