I wasn’t the smartest person in primary and middle school, and my fitness achievements were below the average. However, through my activities in the local community, I learned self-discipline, commitment, and consistency in things that I perceived as significant. I’d used this experience in the university, and I was one of the best students in my group. I put the same effort into martial arts and dancing, mimicking learning STEM subjects: taking notes about techniques and drawing sequences of moves, punches, kicks, and blocks. But it took me many, many years to start recording myself!
Recording and reviewing your physical activities can significantly enhance your performance. It’s not just about commitment; it’s about understanding and improving your techniques. Just as we take notes and memorize facts for professional development, the same applies to martial arts, dancing, and amateur sports. I’ve been drawing martial arts sequences and writing training plans for as long as I can remember, but it took me many years to start recording myself consistently. I’m old enough to remember times without smartphones and mobile networks available almost everywhere. And I felt uncanny watching myself on the video. But the benefits are undeniable. It’s a powerful tool for self-improvement.
Then, about a year ago, I started recording my (short) breakdance sequences. I put those on Instagram into highlights:
- Laboratory: The highlight where I put sequences and drills. Now, I have dozens of different sequences, and usually, before the workout, I choose one that needs to be polished and developed. If the new sequence is better, I drop the old one and push the new one into the Laboratory highlight.
- Movement exploration: is where I store single moves and short sequences that are not part of any planning. This is where I get to be creative and try out new things. Sometimes, I do something spontanious and record it. Then I store it for further reference, and it may be a part of some sequence in the ‘Laboratory’ section. This is a great way to foster creativity and expand your repertoire of moves and sequences.
- Dancing: where I record myself in the wild, where I (mostly) improvise. This highlight is the best place to watch your progress.
I can focus on single moves, sequences, or dancing forms with these recordings. My practice starts with the Laboratory highlight – first, I decide what kind of moves I want to practice, then I choose a recording with a sequence. I then start doing this sequence, often adding something or incorporating it into an improvised routine. Sometimes, it transforms into something completely different, or I merge two or three recordings into one. I treat these recordings as recipes and ingredients simultaneously, and the sense of personal growth and progress is truly inspiring!
If you’re not already recording yourself, it’s time to start! You’ll see rapid improvement, and the added bonus is that you can transform your Instagram account into a tool for your journey. The highlights are for you, and if someone appreciates your story and reel, it’s a nice bonus.