Defining and Increasing Kinesthetic Awareness

It’s a common term that’s for sure. Kinesthetic awareness seems like a good thing to have (and it is), but so how do we get more of it?

It’s often best to first define that which we’re trying to improve with as much objectivity as possible. That said, kinesthetic awareness is comprised of three sense making systems in the body:

1.Introception: awareness of the internal signals of the body like hunger, emotions, and pain. 

2.Exteroception: awareness of the externally oriented signals to the body like temperature and touch.

3.Proprioception: awareness of the property of self including the limbs and posture of the body.

Now that we have a holistic look at what complete kinesthetic awareness looks like we can take inventory on our biases, blind spots, and blockages. You’d be surprised at how unaware we can be of our proprioception and interoception, for example, when our exteroception is overloaded. 

Is it any wonder that most mindfulness practices encourage increasing awareness of the internal systems and the body?

4/29/21 WOD

DEUCE ATHLETICS GPP

Every 2 minutes for 16 minutes, complete the following complex for load:
1 Hang Power Clean
3 Front Squat

Then, complete 5 rounds for time of:
8 1-Arm DB Shoulder to Overhead – Right (50/35)
30 Double Unders
8 1- Arm DB Shoulder to Overhead – Left 
30 Double Unders

DEUCE BACKLOT GPP

Make 6 attempts at the following complex for load:
2 Touch-and-Go Power Cleans
1 Squat Clean

Then, complete 5 rounds for time of:
350m Row
:30 Max Push Presses (95/65)
-Rest :30-
7 Power Snatches

5-5-5
Sotts Press

DEUCE GARAGE GPP

8-8-8-8
Good Morning

Then, perform 3 rounds for quality of:
12 DB Powell Raises (ea)
12 Banded Chest fly w/ Pause
:30 Prone Arch Hold

Then, every 4:00 for 4 rounds complete the following for reps:
12/10 Calorie Row/Bike
12 Goblet Squats (60/40)
Max Unbroken Perfect Push Ups