I am an advocate of individualised training. Having started my movement journey as an adult, I've learnt from teachers and coaches from across the globe and from different disciplines. This has helped me develop a unique perspective in how to monitor and optimise my training and importantly, how to translate that to others.
Most gymnasts, dancers and acrobats start their journey as children. I believe there is a distinct difference in how adults should approach these skills - a difference that is one of the most neglected and misunderstood issues in the field of acrobatic movement and flexibility training for adults.
My goal is to pass this process on to you, to enable you to progress and achieve your best.
Being strong can solve many problems.
Increasing relative strength raises the ceiling in your quality of performance. Whether you are an elite athlete or someone who merely wants to feel capable, training for strength will make you better.
Range of motion reigns supreme.
Limited range restricts your ability. Having the flexibility requirements often improves your efficiency by reducing the need for excessive force. Furthermore, without the flexibility requirements some moves are just not possible.
Express the strength and range.
Being able to invert and manipulate your body opens up many physical possibilities without the need for a gym or any equipment. Use the strength and flexibility whenever and wherever you are.
Aesthetic with a function.
Lean tissue promotes relative strength. Carrying unnecessary weight limits skill potential, hormonal and psychological well-being. Optimise your body for its movement practice and day to day life
My journey has taught me that talented performers don't always make for the best teachers. Instead, look for those that not only walk the walk but also repeatedly produce the results you are after. They are typically the ones that truly understand the process.
It is only possible to do so much at once. Focusing on a few key areas builds your foundation. Strength, flexibility and a few key movement patterns will unlock the potential to excel in multiple disciplines.
Focus on the gaps in your practice and areas that have potential to transfer to other disciplines. A handstand pushup leads to a stronger overhead press, while the reverse isn't necessarily true.
The ultimate goal is to master a technique and then use a minimal effective dose to maintain that skill. The time and energy released can then be used to hone skills in other areas.
Here's to the long term students who have put in the work.
A rock climber, turned handstander and all around hard worker. Liv has been strength and flexibility training using our methods for only two years. Racking up a collection of gnarly skills: head to toe, 60s handstand, ring muscle up, 15kg weighted chin up, 6c+ lead climbing, to name a few...
Liv is now part of the matthewismith team, graphic designing, coaching and developing her own practice.
Tim is the hype man. With a transformation to be stunned by, in just his first few months Tim had become almost unrecognisable. With over 12kg weight loss, going from zero to making over a minute handstand along with presses, handstand pushups, ring muscle ups and full back levers look easy... this man is on fire.
A full time physio with a handstand pushup, 45kg weighted chin up, along with a minute handstand isn't a common sight. Ally knows the grind like very few, working diligently towards each and every skill. This guy is strong.
Individualised coaching for dedicated guidance on your physical practice. Contact below to start your journey.
Online coaching is currently fully booked (currently only available through the Toolkits). Please complete the online coaching enquiry form below to reserve your spot on the waiting list.