Evidence and Instincts

This month officially wrapped up the first round of (Re)Connect. In our final session, I shared some thoughts that have been on my mind about how important it is to find balance in honoring science and evidence alongside our subjective experiences and instincts.

We can seek out valuable information from credible sources (I’m all for it!) AND continue to foster a relationship with our body and ourselves that allows for a clear line of communication.

In one of my favorite movement related books, Movement Matters, the author Katy Bowman suggests: “When striving for an evidence-based life, consider that your most relevant evidence is your body.”

Personally, both in my teaching and practice, I prioritize strategies informed by science. Daily movement, progressive strength training, adequate rest - these are fundamental principles that have exhaustive evidence in exercise science, and are part of my own physical practice.

I’ve also come to believe that being in communication with my body is the most powerful tool I have in regards to my health and wellbeing. I aim to carry this into my teaching through language that invites you to see yourself and your body as a credible source of information.

At the end of the day, both science and instinct have limitations, and when we embrace both we can expand our understanding through curiously and critically examining information as it comes.

Are you drawn more to hard evidence or personal experience?
How might you synthesize your understanding by embracing a balance of both?