Reclaiming the Joy of Movement with Darryl Edwards of Primal Play – EP81
When was the last time you really loved movement? For most of us, it was when we were kids, using the natural environment as our playground—climbing trees, pretending to be animals, or mimicking the moves of our favorite Kung Fu stars. Is there a way to reclaim that joy of movement as adults?
Darryl Edwards is a movement coach, natural lifestyle education, and the creator of the Primal Play Method. Widely known as the Fitness Explorer, Darryl is the author of several books including Paleo Fitness, Paleo from A to Z and the bestseller Animal Moves. He has delivered keynotes at Harvard Medical School, the University of the Arts London and the Ancestral Health Symposium, among many other venues. Darryl’s work has been featured in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Elle Magazine and Men’s Fitness as well as the BBC documentaries Eat to Live Forever and Doctor in the House.
Today, Darryl explains the genesis of Primal Play, discussing how he transformed his own health through movement and the inspiration behind the Primal Play movement patterns. He describes the inclusive nature of the practice, how it translates to other disciplines, and the benefits of Primal Play for elite athletes. Darryl also shares his insight on chronic disease, addressing the benefits of exercise for patients suffering from breast cancer and MS. Listen in for Darryl’s insight on the recommended exercise protocol for the general population and get his top advice on reclaiming your own joy of movement!
Topics Covered
[1:12] How Darryl came to Primal Play- Serious, stressful career as programmer
- Early onset disease of aging
- Physical activity to normalize numbers
- Brought previous work ethic to gym
- Desire to reclaim the joy of movement
- Find joy in practice
- Take out of comfort zone (challenge)
- Pursuing Gym Jones certification program
- Bored, upset if not at top of leader board
- Decision to view world around as gym
- Play out rather than workout
- Explore different methodologies
- Systematize universal movement patterns
- Influences from childhood (e.g.: animals, Kung Fu)
- Work within limitations
- Available to everyone (infinitely scalable)
- Darryl challenged to dead lift, lifted 550 lbs.
- Won max power test on bike against elite cyclist
- Power, strength and speed = natural biproducts
- Improve motivation
- Reduce repetitive stress injuries
- Focus on experience (mindful, engaged)
- Exploit natural capabilities as generalists
- Primal Play website
- Darryl’s books (i.e.: Animal Moves)
- Online courses
- Consultations via Skype
- Physical activity used as treatment for breast cancer
- Movement promotes healing, reduces inflammation
- Gut microbiome improved through exercise
- Movement patterns as prescription for MS
- Minimum of 150 minutes/week aerobic activity
- Moderate intensity (Borg scale of 5 or breath test)
- Two days of resistance training
- Only 1 in 10 children, 5% of adults get minimum
- 300-450 minutes/week = sweet spot
- View exercise as medicine
- Seek opportunities for more movement
- Choose challenging activities (but not chronic stressors)
- Return to time when not concerned what people think
Learn More About Darryl Edwards
Resources
Animal Moves: How to Move Like an Animal to Get You Leaner, Fitter, Stronger and Healthier for Life by Darryl Edwards
Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion
