In a world filled with complex fitness routines and high-tech training methods, “Pressing Reset: Original Strength Reloaded” by Tim Anderson and Geoff Neupert offers a refreshing perspective on health, fitness, and strength. The book introduces readers to the concept of Original Strength (OS) and guides them on a journey to rediscover their innate strength. Let’s delve into the key ideas and insights from this transformative work.
Reconnecting with Our Innate Strength
“Pressing Reset” is built on the premise that, as infants, we possess a profound level of physical strength, mobility, and natural movement patterns. Over time, due to sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and a lack of movement diversity, we lose touch with this original strength. The book encourages us to return to our roots and rediscover our inherent capabilities.
The Five Principles of Original Strength
The authors outline five fundamental principles of Original Strength, which serve as the foundation for the entire system:
- Breathing: OS emphasizes the importance of diaphragmatic breathing, which helps to improve core stability, posture, and relaxation. Proper breathing is seen as a gateway to unlocking your physical potential.
- Head Control: Controlling the movement and positioning of the head plays a crucial role in body alignment. By reestablishing proper head control, we can improve balance and coordination.
- Rolling: Rolling movements are innate and essential for motor development. OS uses these primal patterns to restore lost mobility and strength, offering a path to improved body awareness.
- Rocking: Rocking movements help activate the vestibular system and stimulate neurological connections. Rocking is a foundational practice in Original Strength for restoring balance and stability.
- Crawling: Crawling is seen as a reset button for our movement patterns. It helps reconnect the brain and body, improving coordination and stimulating reflexive strength.
The “RESET” System
The heart of “Pressing Reset” is the RESET system, which stands for “Restoration, Establishment, and Strength through Easy Training.” This system involves simple, natural movements like head nods, head turns, rocking, and crawling. These basic patterns form the building blocks of original strength and, when practiced consistently, can lead to profound improvements in mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
A Holistic Approach to Fitness
“Pressing Reset” presents a holistic approach to fitness that focuses on reclaiming our primal movement patterns and functional strength. Instead of relying on complex exercises or specialized equipment, OS emphasizes the importance of natural, low-impact movements that anyone can perform.
Final Thoughts
“Pressing Reset: Original Strength Reloaded” offers a compelling perspective on fitness and health, challenging the notion that we need advanced training methods to achieve optimal well-being. By emphasizing the reconnection with our innate strength and natural movement patterns, this book provides readers with a practical and sustainable approach to fitness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the path to a healthier and stronger self is simpler and more intuitive than we might think. So, if you’re seeking a more natural and accessible approach to fitness, “Pressing Reset” is a must-read that can help you press the reset button on your own physical potential.
Editor: Nick Ortego is the owner of N 2 Action, a wellness studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offering personal training, health coaching, yoga, and assisted stretching.