Primal6: Torque's Transformation
There’s been a bit of a buzz lately around Torque, our beloved (but painful) workout. We heard rumors of a new ‘Primal6,’ so I met with Habi to interview him about the transformation and check it out.
What happened to Torque?
Unfortunately, we had to close Torque as the priorities for those baring its primary responsibility had changed for the partners, but I am grateful for the opportunity that Torque provided. It allowed me a platform to share and refine my craft. I gained a clearer perspective and along the way found inspiration for the great Primal6 brand.
So, what is Primal6?
Primal6 is inspired by three different components, which you can see in the name:
Primal as in the essence of what it means to be human, as in tradition, in this case referring to physical movement expression.
6, as in the six degrees of freedom the human body is able to move in a three-dimensional space (sway, surge, heave, yaw, pitch, roll).
6, as in the sixth sense; our intuition that extends beyond the five senses.
Together forming Primal6, this is an approach that honors human functionality, recognizes traditional training methods, and demands a deeper connection to our intuition (mindful movement). Primal6 understands that without evolution, there is no development, and for this reason it constantly seeks to explore, assess, and innovate.
What makes Primal6 different from Torque?
The focus is on unconventional training which refers to traditional approaches for physical training.
Aside from bodyweight movement, the primary staple tools of unconventional training are the clubbell, macebell, and kettlebell. Most people may only be familiar with the latter. There are others that have been created, but for the moment, these are the primary focus.
P6 Strength
Regarding strength training, Primal6 focuses on three tools:
Clubbell: one of the only tools that has evolved along with humans at earlier stages essential for survival (hunting/warfare). It can be seen in several cultures around the world.
Macebell: traditionally developed as weapons over 2000 years ago by Hindu warriors, but later characterized a staple of strength for the Pehlawani wrestling culture. Also found in cultural deities like the Chinese Monkey King and ‘Hanuman’ the Hindu god of strength.
Kettlebells: the exact origin is still a matter of debate, considered to be develop in ancient Greece but made prominent by the Russians at the start of the 18th century.
Each of these implements have unique characteristics that challenge and complement human biomechanics.
P6 Motion
Primal6 bodyweight sessions seek to increase awareness and explore your body’s range of motion. They are inspired by Persian yoga, quadrupedal locomotion, and ground-based movement.
The goal of these sessions is to create a playful environment where a sense of movement fluidity and purpose is taken into consideration while getting a good sweat session.
P6 Balance
The ability to balance is a complex process that depends on three major components: 1) sensory systems must figure out where your body is in space; 2) the brain processes that information, makes essential changes, and directs those changes; 3) your muscles and joints receive that information to keep your stabilized.
I recognized at an early stage the importance of connecting to my body under unstable environments. For this reason I sought to create a class solely to improve balance & stability awareness and proprioception strategies that enable to participants to connect with their bodies.
What about this new location?
I was very fortunate to create a partnership with my friend Piero from METCON and use his facility to run the Primal6 sessions. At the moment, classes are limited and the priority is to improve coaching quality and the Primal6 system rather than volume.
My intention with Primal6 is to be able to share my passion and training style with the entire fitness community in China. For this reason I provide workshops and certificate programs in order to educate people on the benefits training unconventionally. If you are curious, come and move with me and experience the unique characteristics of the Primal6 methods!
-Keep it playful.
Habi
If you want to check out Primal6, add Habi on WeChat to get started.
WeChat: hammurabi_f
Address: MetCon, 1772 Zhongshan nan er road, 3rd floor
Group class price: Drop-in RMB 180; 10 classes RMB 1,250
We are looking for people who love life, food and travel to join our team! Currently, we are recruiting for the following positions:
Nightlife Editor
Food & Wine Editor
Wellness & Fitness Editor
Proofreader
Marketing
Sales
Interns
Ideal candidates are talented, energetic and creative people who can work in a fast paced environment, and Chinese skills are a plus.
Want to take on a challenge?
Please send your cover letter and CV to:
jobs@shanghaiwow.com
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