Caption: I started doing the pancake exercise during Covid period when ZOOM sessions were popular. Under the guidance of calisthenics trainer Robin Chee, I learnt the essence of the exercise and have been doing it on an everyday basis since the first session. Took me a year - increasing range inch by inch - to be able to kiss the Naboso® neuro ball on the floor!
What’s strong? I reached out to my faithful word friend “Dictionary.com” and there are over 20 definitions for “strong”. This one resonates with me now: “especially able, competent, or powerful in a specific field or respect.”
Identifying what you are strong at is so important because you’d be able to recognise your weakness at the same time. That process alone will give you insights to improve yourself - that is, if you are looking to address some level of improvement in life, be it at work or in your physique.
How do you even start? I start with a cuppa, silence, a pen and paper (or my iPhone notepad). And start writing. Do not analyse. Just write and doodle. Analysis comes later. Your thoughts will flow and let them flow.
This could just be 5-15 minutes. And you can continue next day or the next time you have another cup of tea.
Then, I love bouncing off my crazy ideas that emerge from this exercise with my mates. Am I that weak? Am I that strong? The ability to receive critique helps to build you up and open your mind to a different dimension, akin to exposing your own blind spots.
Sounds like a good and intriguing exercise for you?
So for me, what’s strong? I’ve been ploughing through data and listening to feedback. And gained a few aha moments for the business. These are precious moments.
Remember it’s not about how strong you are, it’s about getting stronger from where you are.
It doesn’t matter how strong other people in your community are, it matters only if you want to be stronger than the you one month ago. Rather than saying I am weak, ask yourself how can I get stronger? Start strong, and get stronger.
Strong in your will to step forward; strong in your desire to visualise an improved you; strong in your persistence towards your new vision; and all that will direct you towards a stronger you.
Just like the photos in this blog, it didn't happen overnight. I couldn't even do this when I was younger. It started with having a goal to kiss the Naboso® neuro ball on the floor. Increasing range inch by inch over time doing the pancake exercise daily, it took me a year to be able to take these photos and video! This is the one exercise I allocated a non-negotiable five-minute routine on a daily basis. Consistency helps!
What are the benefits of doing a flat pancake? So much! Hip mobility!!! Do I enjoy doing it? It was hard work and super difficult when I first started. So I just had to do no more than five minutes, that's all, to keep my daily momentum going.
I have another coach in my life and she said this:
Things that you don't love is leading to something you do love if you keep moving forward.
So true! I just had to dedicate five minutes each day going through the hard work of stretch and strengthening in the pancake exercise, and it led me to exactly what my body needed as I moved forward with my goal.
What is that one thing you have been procrastinating to do?
Do it and start July strong!
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