So, what is MOVNAT training?

Hyderabad: Training in natural surroundings, away from the confines of four walls, is the latest trend in fitness and professionals often point out the benefits of training as close to nature as possible.

One fitness trainer who is dedicated to taking this to as many people as possible is Chaitanya Reddy. The strength and conditioning coach for the Hyderabad Rugby team says that he works with his team and other personal clients on what he calls a “customised philosophy”.

Although most of Chaitanya’s philosophy is derived from MOVNAT training, which basically breaks down to moving naturally to get fit, this trainer implements more than that. “MOVNAT is when you move naturally to get fit. This kind of training is considered most efficient as it is designed to be practiced with ease. But I have a customised practise with my own philosophy, which includes going to natural settings to work out,” he says.

The idea is to step out of the man-made world that we are so acclimatised with today. “The ACs, the artificial lights and the cubicles have ironically become natural to us. But they are the most unnatural things. And we need to re-adapt to our original instincts with nature, although it might be hard and might take a while to feel natural again,” says Chaitanya.

“This, however, cannot be done everyday due to our busy schedules. But at least twice a week, I am able to break away from the walls and be close to nature. And this isn’t hard and you don’t have to look that hard for spaces too. I, for instance, stay in Jubilee Hills and I know a lot of smaller parks are almost always empty and that’s all it takes.”

The exercise can range from yoga to meditation or even weight training. Chaitanya also runs a YouTube channel that has fitness freaks lifting weights in the form of tree trunks and even tires.

“Even yoga was not practiced in studios and halls. Take the practise of Pranayam for instance; the breathing exercises in a hall would be monumentally different than when you do it at, let’s say, a mountain retreat, like our ancestors did, or any outdoor location. The time of dawn or late evenings is ideal for yoga,” he adds.

Chaitanya says that his clients have often experienced a change in their energies. “But I don’t force it upon them... I just let it sink in naturally,” he says. “Working out close to nature, I believe has a very holistic effect on the body. Even the different weathers and terrains have an effect and it’s almost magical how it works.”