I have always enjoyed the Pink Panther series of movies with the stumbling inspector Clouseau chasing after the elusive ghost jewel, the Panther. Clouseau, played by Peter Sellers in earlier years, and more recently by Steve Martin, is a funny person living in an all too serious world.

 

If you have followed the movie series, you would have enjoyed Clouseau as he would take his case with special focused interest and in the process some unexpected chaos would ensue. Reviewers would tell us that Clouseau was a simpleton that thought of himself as brilliant with a tremendous skill for survival. He can survive anything despite his incompetence.

 

What's very funny about this is that each of us can relate to Clouseau in pursuit of our own Panther, the perfect physique.

 

It's entertaining to learn of different views and sometimes bumbling approaches to strength training. Often times, there are conflicting strategies producing various results. Some would say that alternate day workouts are the best. No, no, no. Everyday workout is better. No, no, no. Two hour daily workouts with multiple sets are much better. No, no. no. Single sets to the maximum capacity are ideal. No, no, no. The four minute workout with the Tabata method is the Panther. No, no, no.

 

We are so right and so invested in our approaches to strength training, body building, conditioning and many other disciplines that we forget the Panther that we are searching for. Each of us has caught glimpses of our Panther in ourselves or others and we took pursuit.

 

Many, because of movies, have held Arnold Schwarzenegger as the model of the Panther physique. Others would argue that Casey Viator, Mike Mentzer and Sergio Oliva or Dorian Yates are the true torch bearers of the Panther.

 

All chasing the Panther.

 

Is there a Panther?

 

I recalled how the famous hypnotherapist Milton Erickson became excellent at what he did. He did it almost by serendipity. He developed his acute skills for the study of people because he himself, as a result of Polio, was convalescing and had the time through observation to make great discoveries.

 

It is through my own convalescing, from what I am guessing is a strained or pulled back that has reoccurred again, that I could make an observation. My observation has been that there are many strategies out there to reach the Panther. Some health and strength topics become very spirited debates with either righteousness as a conclusion, or sheathing of the verbal swords until the topic arises again or parting in indifference with no clear conclusion.

 

So, what is the Panther?

 

As I lay prone on my back, my thoughts were not of any of the varied workouts, activities, movements or skills that exist. Unable to move without pain was a humbling experience for me. Great health, powerful strength, and graceful movements of the body become the ultimate Kilimanjaro to summit in these moments.

 

It is in that state that I realized that the Panther that we seek as the result of all that flurry of motion and activities is much simpler. It is in moments of pain, and time capsules of immobility that Clousea uncovers the Panther.

 

The Panther is posture. Great posture. Graceful, uninhibited, painless, flowing, strong, dynamic posture. Our Panther. Our summit. Simple.

Others may argue and disagree with this uncovering because of their ongoing time and money investments towards health. So be it.

 

Many have said that an upright posture is what differentiates us as humans from other species by  having a solid Human posture.

 

I have found the Panther and the Panther is in each of us with development. The paths are many to reaching the Panther.  Follow the posture and health, vitality, strength and presence is the source.

 

What we long for in a healthy body is to have our own perfect upright posture.

Clouseau might smile at this.   Ta tum, Ta tum..Ta tum.

Rocky Romero

www.SoloflexVideo.com