S L O W D O W N

Sometimes applying a cue to another activity drives home its power.  That is just what happened yesterday in Parkour class.  After doing 12 rounds of pushups, he guided us to slow down the movements we use in precision elements: vaults, rolls, jumps.

This is the first time we did a class in slo-mo, and it was really interesting what I learned.  As I slowed down my step vault, I realized that the instruction I have had over the past 9 months became crystal clear.  

One of the elements we learn is where to place your hands, then we integrate it into the movement.  Typically, once we get moving my ability to process and plan is blurred.  Well, as I took my motion slow, my hands knew where to go and I was able to understand how hand placement allowed me to pivot around the arm.  

This was a light bulb moment!  The elements made sense on a new level, and I found my full speed movement to be more efficient and coordinated.

 Now take this same concept to playing to experience the progression of a movement and the coordination of different movements in creating sound and expression.

Today, S.  L.  O.  W.    D.  O.  W.  N in portions of your practice.  For example, what if you slowed one section or one measure down to really experience the movements and their quality.  You could more accurately identify unneeded tension that comes in, miscoordination in embouchure, tongue, arm movement, or the need for different airspeed, or for those of you who don’t blow to make sound, holding your breath in a challenging passage.

If this seems challenging, set a timer and do it for 1 minute.  See what you find.  Be curious!

BTW - Parkour is at the top of my list for movement learning. Check out Parkour Generations Boston for daily online classes during this pandemic! First class is FREE!