This is a preview of the Shortform book summary of Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett.
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Improving personal mobility through specific physical training activities.

Regular physical activity is essential to improve a person's ability to move and maneuver. The book "Constructed for Agility" presents a variety of strategies aimed at preparing the body to tackle challenges such as aging, possible injuries, and the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Emphasizing flexibility equips an individual for not just physical endeavors but also for the rigorous demands encountered in everyday life.

Improving the suppleness of the connective tissue.

The Sit-and-Rise Test is an excellent tool for assessing limitations in physical mobility. The assessment gauges several physical traits such as the control of the legs and trunk, alongside equilibrium and the mobility of the hips, all of which contribute to the facility with which a person can descend to the floor and rise, reflecting their overall well-being. Reaching the pinnacle of a ten-point scale indicates the ability to rise and fall autonomously. Regularly engaging in the activity of lowering oneself to the ground and then rising to one's feet can enhance a person's natural range of movement. Practicing targeted exercises can enhance a person's ability to smoothly transition into and out of a standing posture.

Enhancing the flexibility and breadth of movement within the hip region.

The dynamic movements involved in walking and running hinge significantly on the hip's ability to flex and extend. Movements like the Hip Opener contribute to improved flexibility and functionality by reducing muscle tension and joint stiffness. It is advised to practice the Couch Stretch, despite the difficulty one might face in holding each leg in position for a duration of three minutes.

Ensuring that there is full and unrestricted mobility in the neck and...

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Built to Move Summary Adopting lifestyle habits that support health and wellbeing

The article explores how adopting specific practices can enhance an individual's health and vitality, highlighting the significance of perfecting effective breathing methods, eating foods rich in nutrients and proteins, and prioritizing restorative and healing sleep.

Developing effective techniques for breath control.

Proper breathing techniques are crucial for maintaining good health and, with regular practice, can enhance flexibility and alleviate stress.

Improving resilience to elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide.

Enhancing one's tolerance to increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to a more effective dispersal of oxygen throughout the body, thus providing extra energy for daily activities. One's tolerance for carbon dioxide can be evaluated and improved through practices that include breath retention after exhaling. Techniques to improve tolerance involve managing carbon dioxide levels and increasing the duration for which one can hold their breath underwater.

Inhaling via the nostrils ought to be standard practice.

Drawing air into the lungs via the nostrils filters it, boosts the uptake of oxygen, and promotes a state of calmness throughout the...

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Built to Move Summary Enhancing overall resilience and longevity

The author delves into methods for enhancing stamina and maintaining vitality, focusing on creating spaces rich with opportunities for engaging in physical movement and reimagining exercise as a lifelong endeavor.

Foster an atmosphere that encourages frequent activity both in the home and the workplace.

To ensure a posture that is upright, an ergonomic setup should be established.

Creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere is essential, and this can be achieved by designing a workspace that supports ergonomic health and allows for both seated and standing work, thereby boosting productivity. The author emphasizes the importance of assessing and enhancing movement by using various assessments, one of which evaluates hip extension capabilities, thereby promoting an environment conducive to mobility. Standing desks promote physical activity, leading to increased calorie expenditure, improved focus, and a reduced risk of certain health conditions. Standing throughout an eight-hour workday may lead to the expenditure of an additional 275 calories, equivalent to the energy used in running thirty-eight marathons each year.

Integrating activity into otherwise stationary...

Built to Move

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Sit-and-Rise Test is a physical assessment that evaluates an individual's ability to lower themselves to the ground and rise back up. It assesses factors like leg and trunk control, balance, hip mobility, and overall well-being. The test uses a ten-point scale, with higher scores indicating better mobility and independence in rising and sitting. Regularly practicing movements involved in the test can improve natural range of motion and overall physical capabilities.
  • The Hip Opener is an exercise that focuses on improving flexibility and functionality in the hip region by reducing muscle tension and joint stiffness. The Couch Stretch is a stretch that targets the hip flexors and quadriceps, helping to increase flexibility in these areas. Squat exercises are compound movements that engage multiple joints simultaneously, particularly the hips, ankles, and knees, to improve lower body strength and stability.
  • The Old Man Balance Test is a method designed to measure and improve stability by engaging in activities that challenge one's balance. It involves tasks that require individuals to maintain their balance in various positions. This test aims to assess and enhance an...

Counterarguments

  • While the Sit-and-Rise Test can be a useful tool for assessing mobility, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with existing joint issues or disabilities that limit their range of motion.
  • The emphasis on flexibility might overlook the importance of other physical attributes like strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health, which are also critical for overall well-being.
  • The recommendation for specific exercises like the Hip Opener and Couch Stretch assumes one-size-fits-all, but individual needs and limitations can vary greatly, and some may require personalized training programs.
  • The focus on squat exercises for joint stability may not take into account that squats can be contraindicated for individuals with certain knee or back conditions. -...

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