Explore the world with child-like curiosity. Engage nature, bathe in mountain streams, climb trees, You might say that Jesse was his own first client.
Movement therapist and life changer Jesse James Retherford, LMT, FMS, NKT, helps clients to move out of poor movement into better function and freedom. By relearning what it means to move like a human, his clients reduce pain and embrace how they’re meant to engage life on this planet—as natural human movers who explore, play, connect, and serve one another. Inspired by James Dean, Jesse had no pl
Operating as usual
10/07/2022
Of the more common "discoveries" that I find in client movement assessments are dysfunctional relationships within the posterior core kinetic chain (shoulder drive to contralateral leg drive - aka the push off phase of gait).
Do You Have Posterior Shoulder & Contralateral Leg Drive? | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
09/29/2022
Greetings Tribe,
I hope this finds you moving well. Let's talk shop...
When the alignment of a car is out of balance, it will pull hard to the side when driven. Continuing to drive the car increases stress and strain on the tires, brakes, and suspension system. Leading to quick and costly breakdown and repairs. This is analogous to our human gait (ie. walk, run, swim, climb & more). Except that instead of tires and shocks, we're looking at replacing shoulders, knees, and hips.
In this 40 minute class, we explore a daily movement routine for walkers, hikers, and runners. The purpose of these movements is to 1) warm up, mobilize & lubricate the suspension system and 2) assess movement balance and quality 3) reduce risk of inflammation, injury, and/or pain (aka "a really bad day" 😞).
Daily Movement Routine for Walkers, Hikers & Runners Greetings Tribe,I hope this finds you moving well. Let's talk shop...When the alignment of a car is out of balance, it will pull hard to the side when driven...
Greetings Tribe,
Over the past couple of weeks, we've focused on improved hip mobility to reduce hip compression (stuck hip). Something that I've learned over the years is that whenever there is hip compression, there are always multiple compensation pattern relationships also taking place in the spine and upper extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands & fingers).
One common pattern & symptoms...
08/06/2022
Imagine if your car alignment was “out of balance.” How many driving miles before tires, steering, and suspension prematurely wear out and need replacing? Your body is no different.
A well balanced pendulum is mechanically efficient (flow) with lower stress points at the joints (longevity). A poorly balanced pendulum is mechanically less efficient (drag) with higher stress points at the joints (wear & tear).
Click the link to read more...
Movement Flow Begins at the Level of Assessing Gait Mechanics This video is an introduction to assessing gait mechanics from the half kneeling position for beginner-level TAOFit Method movers.
07/01/2022
In this session, we focus on baby rolls, pelvic mobility, and spinal rolls.
This was a great class. Your back and hips will thank you for it.
Baby Rolls, Pelvic Mobility & Spinal Rolls - Movement Therapy - Jun, 23 2022 In this session, we focused on baby rolls, pelvic mobility, and spinal rolls. This was a great class. Your back and hips will thank you for it. Did you love ...
06/30/2022
This class was written for a client experiencing anterior shoulder impingement pain.
Recommendations:
*Use this class as a daily movement therapy protocol over the next 30 days
*Pay attention to the "Rules of Pain"
*If pain gets worse, please contact me directly.
*Take notes
*Provide feedback (good, bad, and ugly)
Scapular Mobility for Anterior Shoulder Impingement Pain - Foam Roller Therapy - Apr 26, 2022 This class was written for a client experiencing anterior shoulder impingement pain. Recommendations:*Use this class as a daily movement therapy protocol ove...
06/19/2022
Imagine how great your feet, calves, and hips would feel after a massage.
Now, grab your roller, click play to join me, and make it so.
Foam Roller Therapy: Feet, Calves & Hips - Dec 28, 2021 Did you love this movement session? Do you want to support and sponsor more movement lifestyle content? Please consider contributing to The TAOFit Method tip...
06/17/2022
Greetings Tribe,
The focus of today's class was on the Anterior Kinetic Chain - how movement (gait) flows through the front line of the body from one big toe, through medial knee, anterior hip, crossing obliquely through opposite shoulder (includes hip flexors, abdominals, pecs, & more).
I imagine the Anterior Kinetic Chain as "coiling or loading the spring" - 1.5-3x footfall force converted into kinetic energy to be released at toe off. This is hugely important for efficient walking, jogging, running, jumping, etc. When this system needs attention it usually shows up as one or more of the following symptoms.
*Tight and/or compressed hips
*Anterior hip pain
*Knee inflammation & pain
*Neck & back pain
*Chest, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand issues
Mobilizing the Anterior Kinetic Chain | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Join The TAOFit Method on Patreon to get access to this post and more benefits.
06/15/2022
I have an injury history of three major reconstructive surgeries on my right knee (2x PCL & 1 ACL). The first two PCL reconstructions FAILED. Thankfully the ACL was successful. But without a PCL, I have true instability in the joint - ie. it gets shifty in certain positions.
I am a middle school and high school basketball coach. Which means many demanding hours coaching, teaching, and demonstrating on the court. Knee inflammation is a near daily issue for me. I rely upon my daily movement practice to remain as functional as possible - aka a Highly Functional Dysfunctional.
In this class, I demonstrate how I move with an inflamed knee to reduce swelling, maintain functional mobility, and otherwise help facilitate the body's healing response.
Do you have a chronically cranky knee? I think I can help. Schedule a free consultation.
Movement Therapy with inflamed/swollen/painful knee - Mar 3, 2022 I have an injury history of three major reconstructive surgeries on my right knee (2x PCL & 1 ACL). The first two PCL reconstructions FAILED. Thankfully the ...
06/06/2022
This class was written for a client dealing with active low back pain (pain 8-9 on scale of 10).
If you are currently experiencing low back pain, please contact Jesse directly prior to taking this class.
Restorative Movement for Low Back Pain - Supine Position - Movement Therapy - Apr 5, 2022 This class was written for a client dealing with active low back pain (pain 8-9 on scale of 10). If you are currently experiencing low back pain, please cont...
06/04/2022
Check out this deeper dive into the Deep Longitudinal Kinetic Chain and shock absorption written by mentor and dear friend Joseph Schwartz.
This is the movement theory in Tuesday's class (yesterday's post).
Shock Absorption – Welcome to Dynamic Neuromuscular Assessment™ Posted on October 7, 2016October 22, 2016 by Joseph Schwartz — Leave a commentShock Absorption The second primary action of The 5 Primary Kinetic Chains is shock absorption. Shock absorption is the kinetic energy as it waves through the body. This concept has several contextual layers, let’s fur...
06/03/2022
Greetings Tribe,
The focus of this class was on the Deep Longitudinal Kinetic Chain - how movement flows through the back line of the body from one big toe to the base of the skull and out through the opposite big toe (includes plantar fascia, calves, hamstrings, & spinal erectors).
https://www.patreon.com/posts/67168562
Mobilizing the Deep Longitudinal Kinetic Chain | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Join The TAOFit Method on Patreon to get access to this post and more benefits.
05/28/2022
Greetings Tribe,
If you are a walker, hiker, runner, cyclist, swimmer, or you have otherwise noticed a gimp in your step, this class was written just for you.
*Assessing gait mechanics for balance and function
*Foot massage
*Baby rolls
If you're interested in the hands-on in person experience, I will be teach a Movement class live at Austin Bouldering Project - Westgate.
Movement Class
Austin Bouldering Project - Westgate
Every Sunday
2-3:15p
Baby Rolls & Foot Mobility for Better Gait Function & Flow - Movement Therapy - May 24, 2022 http://www.tao-fit.com
05/21/2022
Come join me tomorrow at ABP Westgate from 2-3:30p. We will be exploring Thoracic Extension Mobilization for Better Shoulder Function.
If you’ve never been to ABP and would like to join, send me a DM. I have first time free passes available.
If you have a history of chronic shoulder impingement pain issues, I think you’ll find this class helpful.
05/21/2022
Baby Roll Flossing the Spine, Hips, & More | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
05/14/2022
Greeting Tribe,
I have a new and updated the "Start Here" video. This is an Introduction to the TAOFit Method of Movement Assessment. In this video, I teach the concept of a "Daily Movement Assessment" to help discover and develop greater sensitivity and awareness within our body.
Start Here Recommendations:
Please read (reread) the "Rules of Pain" before following any of our videos. This is the most important lesson that I teach.
Over the next 30 days, study the movements in this video with an almost academic mindset. As if taking a college class on movement that has a performance at the end of the semester. Can you express each movement flow fully without the video as a reference?
Once you've learned the movement flows, it will take less and less time to perform them. Adding 5-15 minutes of full-body mobility flow once a day will provide a significant benefit to how your body moves and feels (both short & long term).
For optimal results:
Perform the above movement assessment 1-3 times per day (first thing in the morning, mid-day, late evening).
At the end of the 30 days, please post a comment about your experience.
Start Here: Intro to the TAOFit Method of Movement Therapy | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Join The TAOFit Method on Patreon to get access to this post and more benefits.
04/02/2022
Greetings TAOFit Tribe,
Therapeutic question: Where is the most important location to add exploratory movement into your daily movement practice?
Answer: The very location where you spend a good majority of your day. The very spot where your butt is parked. Your chair!
Recommendation:
Every day this week, when you sit down for "work", but before you start working, take 1-3 minute and explore one movement from the above class. Once you're done, set a timer to go off every 30-50 minutes (find a time that works with your flow). When the timer goes off, take a break and spend 1-3 minutes exploring the next movement. See if you can get through the entire class by the end of each day.
For even better results, repeat weekly.
The integration of exploratory movement into your daily practice has the potential to change your life. Your future self will certainly be thanking your present self.
Daily Full-Body Mobility Chair Routine | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
03/22/2022
I am pleased to announce the return to in-person workshops.
This Sunday, I will be teaching an Introduction to Movement and Foam Roller Therapy at the Austin Bouldering Project (ABP).
In this workshop series
I am diving deep into the core of The TAOFit Method movement philosophy
* "The Rules of Pain"
* The daily movement assessment
* Movement exploration, discovery, balance, play, & flow
* Super-basic physiological principles of massage therapy.
I believe you will find these to be powerful tools to help you move better through life... with less pain.
Mark Your Calendar
Austin Bouldering Project - (Westgate location)
This is a recurring monthly workshop
2p-3:30p on the last Sunday of the month
Free with a Day Pass or membership
Each class is limited in size based upon a first come first served sign up list. Please plan accordingly. Send me a message at least an hour prior and I will put you on "the VIP list" 😎.
If you have never visited ABP, I have free Day Passes available.
I look forward to seeing your smiling faces in person soon.
Jesse James Retherford
02/21/2022
I am pleased to announce that starting next Sunday, I will begin teaching a monthly series on the art of movement & foam roller therapy at .
Class is limited to 15 participants. There will be a sign up sheet prior to start time. I recommend arriving early to claim your spot.
This class is free with a day pass or membership. If this is your first time at ABP, let me know. I have several free passes to offer.
02/03/2022
Greetings TAOFit Tribe,
Over the months of December and January, I taught a 10-class series introducing the Art of Movement with Foam Roller Therapy. Starting at the feet and slowly working up to the neck and shoulders.
Perfect for a snow/ice day.
Jesse James Retherford
Introduction to The Art of Movement & Foam Roller Therapy | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
01/09/2022
Greetings TAOFit Tribe,
This past week, I averaged 3 1/2 hours a day on the basketball court coaching the 7th/8th grade & high school varsity girls and boys basketball teams at my son's school.
It was an amazingly productive week for the kids. These kids show up hungry to learn and work hard. I am a challenging coach. I push them to their limits. As a coach, there is nothing more satisfying and inspiring than to see big smiles appear on faces (even under masks), as the light bulbs go off, and new skill levels are unlocked and mastered.
On a less productive note, my right knee was really put through its paces. It's hard to coach basketball without performing dynamic basketball movements. After five knee operations, my right knee doesn't like basketball movements very much and tends to complain with inflammation, swelling, and pain. I used this pain and swelling as an opportunity to dive back into my personal movement & foam roller therapy practice.
I spent an hour or more each night exploring the combination of full body restorative movement with self-massage therapy. I cannot express how much this investment in self care time helped me get through the week. At the end of couple of the days, I limped off the court with level 4-7 pain. The morning after a little time moving and massaging, I was back to coaching hard cuts, big jumps, and springy landings.
This week, Tuesday & Thursday morning at 9a CST, we are back to our regularly scheduled programming.
In the attached video, I introduce foam roller therapy for the deep hip rotators. This was a part of my daily routine this past week. I think you will find it to be a super juicy Winter Sunday movement session.
On Tuesday, we will return to "Introduction to Foam Roller Therapy." Is there are particular "problem area" that you'd like to focus on? Leave a comment below.
Jesse James Retherford
Introduction to Foam Roller Therapy for the Deep Hip Rotators | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
12/01/2021
We have updated our Patreon page. Now offering The TAOFit Method Movement Mentorship.
https://www.patreon.com/TAOFit
For as little as $3/month, you gain immediate access to all movement mentorship content (including live classes, workshops, programs, and movement snacks).
Patreon Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!
11/14/2021
If you're looking for good quality minimalist shoes, I'm a fan of Xero shoes. Right now they have their annual clearance sale.
My son and I have tested out several pairs of Xero Shoes. So far, we both like the Denver, Speed Force, and Prio (Denver is both of our current favorite for a cool weather durable boot).
I am currently testing out a pair of leather Hana (durable work shoe, a little thicker sole than I prefer). I have a pair of the Oswego and Toronto on the way.
As an Xero Shoes affiliate, I receive a small commission when you place an order through this link. Thank you for your support.
https://xeroshoes.com/go/TAOFit/941dc259
Thanks for celebrating the holidays with us! - Xero Shoes Just because… While our sale may be over, there’s still time to get Xero Shoes for the holidays. Click Here to find shoes for you, a friend, or loved one. Not sure what to get? How ’bout a gift certificate?
Greetings Tribe,
After each Movement Exploration class, there is a brief, and occasionally long, discussion on a wide range of topics - movement theory, pain, evolution, pseudo-science, spirituality, and more.
I was asked to share the recording is from a recent post-class discussion which gets a little deep into the human neurology of movement, as well as the human neurology of spirituality.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Jesse James Retherford
Patreon Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!
11/04/2021
11/01/2021
It is not unusual for each week to have a common "Pain Complaint" theme. Last week was "the foot". This week was all about the hip.
In the below video, we go on a deep dive into the hip via the "Shin Box Exploration". This class should not hurt. If you are currently experiencing hip pain, please contact me directly prior to following this video.
When working with clients dealing with these common hip pain complaints, the "Shin Box Exploration" is one of my go-to movement assessments. As long as it is Not Painful, the Shin Box, as a position, is a fantastic assessment of the complex three dimensional mobility/stability relationships between the hips and segmental spine.
For long term hip maintenance and health, a daily/weekly addition of the Shin Box Explore is a great way to smooth the compensations, imbalances, and dysfunctions within your gait mechanics.
Smoother gait mechanics = improved recovery and better performance.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/58081373
Assessing Movement with Generalized Hip & Back Pain | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
10/26/2021
We have updated our Patreon page. Now offering The TAOFit Method Movement Mentorship.
https://www.patreon.com/TAOFit
For as little as $3/month, you gain immediate access to all movement mentorship content (including live classes, workshops, programs, and movement snacks).
Patreon Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!
10/03/2021
Greetings Tribe,
Something that I love about teaching/recording a twice-a-weekly class is that I can write a movement therapy protocol for pain/injury issues specific to individual members of the TAOFit Tribe. The beauty of this is that the video has the potential to help guide others dealing with similar pain issues.
When considering the reality that most humans WILL experience a chronic foot pain condition in their life, these videos have the potential to be a useful and valuable resource for many, for many years to come.
Thursday's class was an intro to movement therapy & prevention for plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, and/or heel pain. Whether you have heel pain or not, I highly encourage you to spend an hour today and move with me.
If you are experiencing pain while performing any of these movements, please skip ahead to the next movement, and schedule a consultation with me asap.
Jesse James Retherford
https://www.patreon.com/posts/56941451
Movement Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles, & Heel Pain | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
10/01/2021
I am pleased to announce The TAOFit Method now has a shop. With the first iteration of The TAOFit Tribe t-shirt.
I may not have much of a sense of humor, but I'm very puny.
https://tao-fit.com/shop/
09/19/2021
This was a fun class. It will wring out the spine, juice the hips, and mobilize the shoulders. If you suffer from tight hamstrings, I highly recommend putting this on your recurring playlist.
If you have any questions, issues, or discoveries, please post a comment below.
-Jesse James
Got tight hamstrings? - Movement Therapy - Sep 14, 2021 On Tuesday we explored the relationships between the shoulders, spine, pelvis, and hamstrings. This was a fun class. It will wring out the spine, juice the h...
09/01/2021
The deep resting squat is one of my favorite primal movements. If you are just starting your movement practice, developing a strong and comfortable deep resting squat will absolutely change your life.
In this class, we explore some ways to strengthen your squat and find a few nice juicy movements to help level up your mobility.
Deep Resting Squat Mobility - Movement Restoration - Dec 3, 2020 Assessment: Deep Resting SquatWrist MOB ExploreHand MOBBowls of SoupShin Box Shoulder/Neck ExploreCat/Cow CirclesSkill ProgressionsShin Box to Shin Box (no h...
08/31/2021
Let's foam roll! Check out this class on how to safely use your foam roller to relief lower body aches and pains.
TAOFit "Ask A Movement Therapist" Highlights: Foam Roller Self-Massage (Lower Body) | The TAOFit Method on Patreon Official Post from The TAOFit Method
08/30/2021
The ability to get up off the ground in multiple ways is an incredible tool to add to your toolkit. It will come in handy in a variety of situations as you work to improve the world around you.
Also, what if you hurt yourself in a fall? Having multiple ways to get back up and call for help could make a huge difference in a critical injury situation.
This 50-minute class will give you multiple playful ways to explore how to give yourself more get up and go.
Get-up Progressions - Mobility Restoration - Nov 24, 2020 Assessment: Resting Deep SquatBowls of SoupStanding Thoracic Cat/CowStanding Pelvic TiltStanding Cat/CowWrist/Hand MOBShin Box Clock ExplorePigeon to Pigeon ...
08/29/2021
Got a sore _____? Search for videos about specific areas of the body on our YouTube Channel to find solutions.
The TAOFit Method - YouTube Welcome to The TAOFit Method, The paradox of modern human existence is that we are born Wild Humans, yet live in a domesticated human world. The TAOFit movem...
Modified Side-lying Baby Roll Exploration
If you’re new to the Baby Roll, this modified side-lying position can help to safely explore the 3-dimensional nature of your spine.
08/27/2021
Does your hip feel stuck?
In this class, we start with a simple assessment for anterior hip compression for when you are feeling acute low back, shoulder and/or neck pain.
Guaranteed to bring back your hipster flow. Give it a go and let us know how you feel.
https://youtu.be/5EWR8u7WwBo
Hip Compression & Low Back/Shoulder/Neck Pain - Mobility Restoration - Nov 10, 2020 Assessment: Shin Box Hip ExtensionWrist/Finger MOB ExploreFoot MOBSupine Hip MOBSupine Hip RotationSupine Hip ReachCat/CowChild’s PoseShin Box Hip ExploreShi...
08/26/2021
This is a great breakdown of the anatomy and physiology of pain. This is a must-watch for anyone who deals with chronic pain.
What if You Couldn't Feel Pain? Check out Brilliant and get 20% off!! https://www.brilliant.org/IHA/____What if You Couldn't Feel Pain?____In this video, Justin from the Institute of Human ...
08/26/2021
An oldie but goodie.
"A podiatrist has told me that I have arthritis in my big toe. It’s painful to fully flex it and it’s throwing off my gait, which as many of you know, is foundational to proper function. He didn’t have any suggestions for correcting it other than giving it space (said I’m too young for surgery as that surgery is so debilitating). Any suggestions here for either alleviating it or working around it?
I love this question because it touches upon something I hear frequently. “I am in pain because I have arthritis.” This is a statement that I do not fully agree with–primarily because it sounds an awful lot like “It’s because I’m getting old!” — which I write about here.
There are two main reasons I disagree with the commonly held belief that arthritis = pain.
1. The Failure Prescription
2. Arthritis is a symptom, not the problem"
Click the link to read more...
https://tao-fit.com/dont-blame-arthritis-for-your-pain/
Don’t Blame Arthritis for Pain - Movement Therapy Austin TX Experience joint pain? Doctor says it's arthritis, you're getting old, take these pills? This is a failure prescription! You can learn to move pain free.
08/25/2021
This is a great article. Todd Hargrove puts out some excellent content. Well worth subscribing to.
Note the images of the cheetah and what Todd says about flexion/extension. Notice the positions of "cat/cow?" Do you see any parallels to the "spinal wave" movement work we are focusing on in The TAOFit Method?
https://toddhargrove.substack.com/p/some-histories-of-human-movement?fbclid=IwAR09Ly4u6cWTZ4iOzuZjoYDSK6tfehvdXAB9h-9pCmXTrlBsDD1_gdXm7r8
Some Histories of Human Movement How things got to be the way they are
Movement therapist and life changer, Jesse James Retherford, helps clients to move out of poor movement into better function and freedom. By relearning what it means to move like a human, his clients reduce pain and embrace how they’re meant to engage life on this planet—as natural human movers who explore, play, connect, and serve one another.
Inspired by James Dean, Jesse had no plan to live past 35, so he lived the first third of his life with abandon and without any conscious awareness of how he was going to feel in the final third. As it turns out, his thirty-fifth year had more to offer than he’d imagined. His son was born that year, and suddenly it was clear that he would need to, and want to live a long life. Bogged down with pain, he began to explore movement and healing, and his experiences have directed his path over the past decade. You might say that Jesse was his own first client.
He studied exercise and sports science at Texas State University. In 2010, he became a licensed massage therapist. In 2013, he earned his Level 1 certification in Neuro Kinetic Therapy (NKT), and in 2014 he both added his Level 2 NKT certification and became a MovNat certified coach, developing the skills of human movement for greater function and service.
Jesse turns the appearance-focused fitness paradigm on its head, teaching people how to explore movement in a way that changes their life. Through intentional movement, his clients experience less pain, less dysfunction, less injury, and they explore a world that wasn’t formerly available to them because of their lack of skill.
In order to do this, Jesse offers movement therapy (a combination of strength training, natural movement, NKT, and massage), natural movement classes, and massage.
When he’s not with clients, he’s generally adventuring with his 8-year-old son. He spends 95% of his time barefoot, and yet he’s obsessed with shoes (although not in the way other people are).
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