This conversation explores the concept of movement optimism and its application in circus and aerial training. The discussion covers topics such as biomechanics and performance in circus, the task-based approach to training, managing pain and injury, and addressing beliefs about joint misalignment. The importance of individual differences in training capacity and the role of minimal effective dose in recovery are also explored. The conversation emphasizes the need for a personalized approach to training and the importance of self-management in the circus and aerial fields. In this conversation, Greg Lehman and I discuss the principles of exercise prescription and rehabilitation for circus artists and aerialists. Greg emphasize's the importance of focusing on individual goals and what the person wants to return to doing.

He also highlights the concept of comprehensive capacity, where exercises should aim to improve overall strength and function rather than targeting specific dysfunctions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding the minimum effective dose and overcoming fear when starting new movements.

Takeaways:

• Movement optimism promotes a positive and optimistic view of human function and resiliency.


• Biomechanics in circus and aerial training should be viewed in the context of performance and function rather than adhering to strict biomechanical ideals.


• Pain and injury in circus can be managed by understanding individual differences, focusing on task-based training, and addressing beliefs about pain and joint misalignment.


• Recovery and rehabilitation in circus can benefit from a minimal effective dose approach, tailoring training to individual needs and goals.


• Self-management and self-rehabilitation can be effective in circus training, but access to quality healthcare and professional guidance is also important. Prescribe exercises based on the individual's goals and what they want to return to doing.


• Focus on comprehensive capacity by improving overall strength and function.


• Specificity is needed in certain cases, such as ACL tears, but general approaches can often be effective.


• Find the minimum effective dose by identifying what the person sucks at and what hurts.


• Overcome fear by starting slow and gradually building up confidence in new movements.

Find more about Greg, his work, and his podcast here!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 Therapeutic Neuroscience and Movement Optimism

04:26 Biomechanics and Performance in Circus

06:34 Task-Based Approach to Training

07:49 Balancing Goal-Oriented Training with Secondary Activities

09:24 Individual Differences in Training Capacity

11:44 Developing Attributes for Specific Skills

14:29 Managing Pain and Injury in Circus

18:16 Hypermobile Individuals and Risk Prevention

21:39 Addressing Beliefs about Joint Misalignment

25:23 Managing Pain Perception in Circus

28:26 Self-Management and Minimal Effective Dose

32:38 Accessing Quality Healthcare and Self-Rehabilitation

36:28 Movement Optimism and Circus Training

39:15 Minimal Effective Dose for Recovery

42:54 Challenges in Rehab and Recovery

43:18 Testing Minimal Effective Dose on Oneself

43:27 Prescribing Exercises Based on Goals

46:09 The Importance of Comprehensive Capacity

48:22 When Specificity is Needed

51:51 Finding the Minimum Effective Dose

53:09 Overcoming Fear and Starting Slow