CHAPTER ONE - PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL TRAINING
Parts 1 - 3 of the first chapter of the Concise Guide for Trainers
In my previous post, I shared the foreword to Georges Hebert’s Concise Guide to Complete Physical Training Using the Natural Method, and noted that this is the first time these ideas are being translated for an English-speaking audience. This work represents his most mature work on how to produce all-around fitness in a group of any size.
In his case, the original groups were recruits to the French Navy, but later the “methode naturelle” was adapted for schools, scouting groups, etc.
Today’s installment features some hilariously French concepts such as the oxymoron, “modest nudity.” I wasn’t quite sure how to translate this, since Hébert talks about “complete nudity” when he really means something like what you see in the picture below – underwear or boxer shorts. I chose to translate “nudite du corps” as the unfettered body.
Here’s the context in which the term appears:
Any training session should embody the above characteristics as closely as possible.
It should take place outdoors, immersed in nature, with the body as unfettered (nudité du corps) as decency allows.
This line captures my philosophy of fitness since discovering MovNat some 12 years ago: outdoors, immersed in nature, without too much special gear or clothing.
In my case, decency usually dictates that I at least wear athletic shorts, but I make an effort to empty my pockets, ditch my phone and glasses, shoes, and anything else that might hamper my freedom of movement. Whenever I bring extra gear, thinking it will somehow “enhance” the workout, I end up feeling tethered to it, and ultimately, fettered by it.
In addition to introducing the 10 families of movement in this section, Hébert also introduces a key principle of movement through space (deplacement). In other words, you won’t get the benefits of natural training if you are remain stationary. The outdoors provide an expansive setting for expansive movement.
To the extent you limit your training, through cramped spaces or clothing that cramps your movement, you will not get the same results.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that Hébert talks about alternative modalities like sports and horseback riding as complementary. These activities need to be built on a foundation of physical literacy.
Without further ado, here is the first part of Chapter One.
1. Characteristics of natural method training.
Training through the natural method boils down to this simple formula:
A return to natural living conditions – that is, embracing the great outdoors, nature, the unfettered body (nudité de corps), and practical, essential exercises.
These natural, utilitarian exercises form the bedrock of comprehensive, generalized training. They encompass ten fundamental movement patterns: walking, running, jumping, quadrupedal crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, throwing, self-defense, and aquatics.
Recreational exercises, acrobatics, gymnastics, various sports, and specialized practical skills (cycling, horseback riding, rowing, skating, skiing, etc.) can complement this broad training, catering to each person's needs and desires.
In contrast, regimented, mechanical movements of the arms, legs, and torso should be rejected. More flexible, practical actions conforming to the above formula provide the same benefits, with a wider range of motion.
That, in essence, defines the spirit of the natural workout.
2. General programming of a training session or session.
Any training session should embody the above characteristics as closely as possible.
It should take place outdoors, immersed in nature, with the body as unfettered (nudité du corps) as decency allows.
Moreover, it should incorporate exercises from the various fundamental categories, namely:
Walking
Running
Jumping
Quadrupedal crawling
Climbing
Balancing
Lifting
Throwing
Self-defense
And swimming too, if there is a body of water (i.e., river, pond, sea, pool, or basin) near the training area. Otherwise, some form of skin care (soins de la peau) like washing and rubbing (ablutions et frictions).
The ideal session should fulfill all these conditions comprehensively. Of course, when circumstances prevent an outdoor session, it should occur in the most open-air setting possible. When a natural environment is inaccessible, any suitable or unsuitable ground will do. If “modest nudity” (within the bounds of decency) is impossible, the lightest attire should be worn. Finally, if all types of exercises cannot be practiced, the program is reduced accordingly. But any limitations or restrictions will inevitably diminish the effects and results, to a greater or lesser degree.
3. Practical execution of a training session or session.
In practice, a training session is a course - a journey of varying length - which involves walking, running, jumping, crawling, climbing, scrambling, balancing, lifting, carrying, throwing, grappling, swimming and more. It replicates the active component of primitive life, simulating a hunting trip or foraging excursion in the wild.
The length of the course naturally depends on factors like the trainees' conditioning level, age, weather, etc. It ranges from a few hundred meters to several kilometers.
The route either follows a random path through the countryside or takes place in a restricted area with a training field and suitable tracks. The latter is most commonly used out of necessity, due to the difficulties of modern life (i.e., lack of time and space, distance from open fields, etc.).
There are two types of sessions:
the continuous or “wilderness trail sessions”;
the limited space or "field sessions,” with back-and-forth movements.
Whether in a confined area or free field, the general principle remains the same: training is above all about movement through space. In other words, locomotion in all its forms (walking, running, jumping, crawling, climbing, balancing, carrying, swimming, etc.) takes priority over any other exercises.
Locomotion and movement through space in all its forms is the natural workout par excellence.
Glossary
entraînement par la méthode naturelle - training through the natural method
nudité du corps - the unfettered body
exercices naturels et utilitaires - natural, utilitarian exercises
entraînement complet ou généralisé - comprehensive, generalized training
séance ou leçon d'entraînement - training session
au grand air - outdoors
cadre en pleine nature - natural environment
nudité décente - modest nudity
exercices de marche, course, saut, quadrupédie, grimper, équilibrisme, lever, lancer, défense - exercises of walking, running, jumping, quadrupedal crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, throwing, self-defense
natation - swimming
soins de la peau - skin care
ablutions et frictions - washing and rubbing
aéré - open-air
parcours - course
déplacement - journey
leçon sur parcours en pleine nature - wilderness trail session
leçon sur espace restreint - limited space "field" session
trajet en va-et-vient - back-and-forth movement
