Built To Move

Ten exercises. How well did a powerlifter do?

Built to Move by Kelly and Juliet Starrett is my latest book to love and evangelise.

It presents ten movement assessments and daily practices. I am still working towards them, but I roped in a free model for my article and made him feel I was doing him a favour. I called it my birthday gift to him. Machiavelli me!

Photo belongs to Sudhanshu Kumar, power lifter. Shared here with permission.

Before we begin, it is worth noting that my model, powerlifter Sudhanshu Kumar, is mobile, balanced and strong. His best competition lifts include a 212.5 kg deadlift and a 205 kg deadlift (see above photo).

So here are the 10 Vital Signs as outlined in the Kelly and Juliet Starett book, “Built to Move.”

1. Sit and Rise Test

Sudhanshu rose smoothly from the floor, showing full control. This is your cross-the-legs, sit down in a cross-cross applesauce position or the “sukhasan” in Indian yoga, and to rise up again without touching the floor with your hands. 10/10 is when one sits and rises without any assistance from the hands while a point is deducted for each bit of assistance you need.