It’s the 10th of October 2018, and I’m sitting on my balcony in our apartment in Turkey. It’s mid day and I’ve just finished my movement and stretching practice.
I’m in a holiday village. In the distance I can hear the joyful cries of children having fun.
On my phone, I am playing a video of a guy moving around like a panther. I’m fascinated by his skill and how he flows it all together.
Right there and then I decide that I want to learn this style of movement, so I put it out into the universe. With a big smile on my face, I set the intention that Coach PFG Paul ‘fire power’ Gray will be my next teacher.
Months pass. I am still watching Paul’s videos and a mutual Facebook connection shares that Paul’s coming to his gym in Port Glasgow to do a 1 day workshop. A few DM’s later and it’s all arranged.
That was exactly one year ago March of 2019.
The workshop was excellent and I had made a connection with Paul.
A few months later, Paul came to Glasgow for the day to teach me an introduction to Mace training and on the 24th November 2019, I travelled to Durham to Firepower gym for more 1-2-1 private tuition.
Suitably impressed with my growth and development under Pauls tuition it was time to bring him to Glasgow to teach my crew.
I really like the back story to this. The law of attraction in full flow. The universe works in mysterious ways.
When the student is ready the teacher appears.
It’s Sunday 8th March 2020. My crew and I are all eagerly waiting on the start of the Art of Functional Movement 2 day certification to begin.
I am really excited my movement has improved so much in the short time I’ve been working with Paul now it’s the crews turn to experience him.
Day 1
We were talked and walked through the overall AFM philosophy. The Treble H theory was explained. Then we were taught the level 1 segments.
Recovery Remedy, Structural Strength and Movement medicine modules were taught, trained and tested.
Day 1 was excellent. The content was mind blowing. The pace of delivery perfect and it was suitably physically challenging enough.
Paul and I both have a massive passion for food, especially pizza. We went to Baffo just along from the gym and both attacked the half metre speciality Pizzas.
Day 2
I got to the gym earlier than everyone else. I was hyper while mobilising and warming up.
First up was more theory based learning. Then we quickly reviewed the physical movements from day one and connected more deeply with the nuances and specific feel of each movement.
The next module Systematic Skill was focussed on bodyweight and the kettlebell. As with everything in AFM the techniques are different to standard performance.
We practiced each movement and then it was test time again.
Burpee over bell
Bent over row
Power Clean
Thruster
Swings x10
You have 30 to compete the set with good structure then you have 12 sets to work through in 6 minutes.
Sounds easy, right? It’s not and this test must be done with 1/3 body weight so for me a 36kg kettlebell. I failed this test and I will re-test over the next couple of months. The pressing part of the thruster is a specific hand position and one I’ve never trained. The rest I can do no bother. It’s always good to have things to improve on.
Lastly, was the sustainable stress module this is delivered in the accumulator on the minute format and it’s cheeky to say the least. Again I have to retest this element.
So out of 5 modules I passed 3. Already I have adapted my training and over time will develop the strength and skill I need to get the P for PASS instead of a big Freddie Failure in the sky.
F.A.I.L
First
Attempt
In
Learning
It was great doing a certification again as a crew.
We all have elements to work on and master. Then once we’ve all passed level 1 it’s onto level 2 and above.
Here’s what the DMC Fitness Crew had to say about The Art of Functional Movement Level 1 Certification.
Until next time “Strength For Life”,
Davie.
Davie McConnachie
Davie McConnachie is Scotland’s leading health and wellness coach, multi-award-winning gym owner, motivational speaker and the founder of DMC Fitness, a fitness education facility known as the premier choice for 1-2-1 personal training. He has inspired thousands of people to fall in love with fitness – his true purpose and mission in life.
Diving into the world of fitness and wellness has helped Davie to deal with his own trauma and inner demons. He, overcame many dark times using his own unique methods to continue his cycle of healing.