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Ido Portal Movement Culture event conference classes australia sydney

Ido Portal – Paleo Fitness

With MovNat coming to Australia in March – and founder Erwan Le Corre teaching at PrimalCon in April – it really is the year of natural movement. Get ready for Ido Portal!

I’ve recently found out about Ido Portal.  His YouTube videos show the most incredible movement, strength and balance.  You can’t watch these videos and not be completely in awe – he makes the movements look so effortless.  My handstand push-up ambition just doesn’t quite cut the mustard anymore!

As all the Paleo & related experts do eventually, Ido Portal is coming to Australia!  He’s taking a two day workshop on the 25th & 26th February, at Elements of Movement, CrossFit Sydney.

Better get practicing…

Ido Portal Movement Culture event, conference, classes in Sydney, Australia

Who Is Ido Portal?

Ido Portal is a name that comes up time and time again when talking about movement, mobility, and bodyweight strength. A former Capoeira practitioner from Israel, Ido has developed a completely unique movement philosophy that brings together strength training, gymnastics, martial arts, dance, and play. His methods are unconventional, yet captivating. Watching him move is like watching a wild animal – fluid, controlled, powerful. It’s no wonder so many in the Paleo and natural movement worlds are drawn to his teachings.

Unlike traditional gym-based workouts focused solely on isolated muscle groups, Ido Portal encourages movement for the sake of movement. He talks about being a “mover”, rather than a lifter, runner, or yogi. His core message is simple but profound: humans were born to move – in many different ways, through all planes of motion, across a variety of environments.

The Link Between Paleo and Movement

Many people associate Paleo with food – and rightly so. But what we eat is just one part of a much bigger ancestral picture. The Paleo lifestyle also includes sleep, sunlight, connection, and of course – natural movement. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors didn’t train in gyms or sit at desks all day. They squatted, climbed, crawled, jumped, hung, and moved across rugged terrain. Their movement was purposeful, varied, and frequent.

This is why movements like MovNat, Parkour, and now Ido Portal’s Movement Culture resonate so deeply with the Paleo community. They represent a return to the way our bodies were designed to move. Whether you’re navigating a rocky trail barefoot or attempting a one-arm hang, you’re reconnecting with primal movement patterns that modern life has all but erased.

Why Ido Portal's Approach Is Different

Ido Portal’s workshops are nothing like a CrossFit WOD or a typical yoga class. He breaks down movement into its most fundamental elements. You'll practice spinal waves, wrist mobility drills, animal walks, hand balancing, acrobatics, and partner games that challenge your awareness and control.

What makes Ido Portal’s philosophy so compelling – especially for those of us in the Paleo community – is that it embraces both strength and softness. It’s not about hitting PBs in the gym or achieving a ‘perfect’ handstand. It’s about exploring your body’s capacity for movement, developing resilience, and rediscovering physicality in a holistic way.

Ido Portal and the Paleo Fitness Movement in Australia

Australia has long been at the forefront of the Paleo movement, with a vibrant community of primal eaters, barefoot runners, and natural movement advocates. With Ido Portal's workshops now making their way to Australia, it’s clear we’re part of a global shift in how we understand fitness and wellbeing.

In fact, the timing couldn’t be better. With MovNat expanding their Australian offerings and events like PrimalCon showcasing more natural movement each year, Ido Portal’s arrival adds serious weight to the growing Paleo fitness scene down under. Whether you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or somewhere in between, there’s never been a better time to explore this way of moving.

Training for Movement – Not Just Muscles

One of the biggest takeaways from Ido Portal’s teachings is that movement is a skill. Like learning a language or playing a musical instrument, it takes consistent practice, curiosity, and humility. You’ll be challenged mentally and physically – and that’s the point.

Rather than repetitive sets and reps, Ido's students learn patterns. They explore locomotion flows, hand balancing drills, and coordination exercises. These develop not just strength, but control, agility, rhythm, and spatial awareness. It's like play – but with purpose.

For those already eating Paleo and interested in improving health beyond diet, this approach adds depth to your lifestyle. Your body starts to feel more capable, more aligned, and more adaptable to the demands of everyday life – whether that’s chasing after your kids, hiking in the bush, or simply getting up off the floor with ease.

How to Get Started With Ido Portal Inspired Movement

If attending a full workshop feels intimidating (or is out of your reach geographically), there are plenty of ways to incorporate Ido-inspired movement into your daily life.

  • Start with basic mobility drills: wrist rolls, spinal waves, hip circles – movements you probably haven’t done since childhood.
  • Practice hanging: from a bar, a tree branch, or even doorways. Build grip strength and decompress your shoulders.
  • Try animal movements: bear crawls, lizard walks, frog jumps – these build coordination, strength, and endurance.
  • Make use of floor time: sit on the ground more, experiment with rolling, squatting, and low gait movements.
  • Watch Ido’s YouTube channel for inspiration – but don’t compare. Use it to spark your curiosity, not self-judgement.

And remember, movement is not something to tick off your to-do list – it’s something to explore, enjoy, and refine every day. Start with 5–10 minutes and grow from there.

The Power of Play

Something else that sets Ido Portal apart is his emphasis on play. Many adults have forgotten how to play. But play is how we learn, how we connect, and how we heal. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing handstands in the park or crawling on the floor with your kids – playful movement helps rewire your brain, improve joint health, and reduce stress.

That playful spirit fits beautifully with the Paleo ethos. This lifestyle is about thriving, not just surviving. Movement should feel like joy, not a chore. It should reconnect you with your body and your environment, not isolate you to a treadmill or gym mat.

Ido Portal in Sydney – What to Expect From a Workshop

If you’re lucky enough to attend one of Ido Portal’s workshops in Australia, here’s what you might expect:

  • Two full days of movement training that will push you outside your comfort zone.
  • No fluff: Ido is known for being direct, no-nonsense, and laser-focused on teaching.
  • Community: a chance to connect with others who are curious about movement, Paleo, and personal growth.
  • Surprises: expect to be challenged physically and mentally – but in the best way.

Bring an open mind, lots of water, and a sense of humour. You'll be sore, inspired, and possibly a bit overwhelmed – but you'll also leave with a renewed appreciation for what your body can do.

Where to Learn More

If you're just getting started and want to dive deeper into Ido Portal’s world and how it intersects with Paleo fitness, check out the following:

  • Ido Portal on YouTube – for movement videos, lectures, and examples of his students’ transformations.
  • Ido Portal on Facebook – for event announcements and philosophy posts.
  • MovNat Australia – if you're interested in complementary natural movement training.
  • The Paleo Network – for events, resources, and more Paleo-friendly movement ideas in Australia and New Zealand.

Is Ido Portal Paleo?

While Ido doesn’t explicitly label himself Paleo, his philosophy overlaps with many of the movement principles our ancestors lived by. He advocates for nutrient-dense food, rest, sunlight, barefoot movement, and spending time in nature. He also recognises the dangers of modern sedentary life and offers a powerful antidote through his movement culture.

In that sense, he fits right in with the broader Paleo lifestyle. He may not push bone broth recipes or intermittent fasting, but he embodies the idea of human optimisation through reconnection – with our bodies, our environment, and each other.

Final Word: Get Moving

Whether you’re deep into your Paleo journey or just starting out, Ido Portal’s approach can offer new energy and insight. If you’ve ever felt limited by the typical gym routine, or if you’ve lost touch with how your body likes to move, his work could be a game-changer.

So next time you're barefoot in your backyard, try a squat, a hang, a crawl. See how it feels. Make it part of your day. And if you’re feeling brave – maybe even sign up for that workshop.

Because Paleo isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what you do with your body. And the world is your gym.

MovNat Erwan Le Corre paleo primal movement natural

MovNat is Coming Back to Australia!

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I was thrilled to see MovNat is returning to Australia early next year. I didn't know much about MovNat until Erwan Le Corre's talk at the AHS earlier this year, but after hearing him talk and watching some of his demonstrations it looks amazing and I can't wait to try it for myself.

There are going to be two day workshops in Melbourne on 24th & 25th March 2012 and Sydney on 31st March to 1st April.

Erwan Le Corre is also going to be at PrimalCon 2012, so it looks like being a MovNat April!

Have you booked your spot yet?!

Erwan Le Corre demonstrating MovNat natural movement principles for Paleo and Primal fitness

What Is MovNat?

MovNat, short for “Movement Natural,” is a physical education and fitness system founded by Erwan Le Corre. It's based on the practice of natural movement skills, which are the full range of human movement abilities, including walking, running, crawling, climbing, jumping, balancing, lifting, carrying, throwing, catching, and swimming.

The philosophy behind MovNat is that these natural movements are essential for human health and fitness. By practicing them, we can improve our physical capabilities, enhance our health, and reconnect with our natural selves.

Who Is Erwan Le Corre?

Erwan Le Corre is the founder of MovNat. Born in France, he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors, developing a deep connection with nature and movement. He trained in various disciplines, including karate, and later developed a comprehensive system of natural movement training.

Erwan's approach emphasizes real-world physical competency, love of movement in nature, and a personal philosophy of life that believes it's everyone's universal and biological birthright to be strong, healthy, happy, and free. He calls this state of being our “True Nature” .

The Importance of Natural Movement

In today's modern world, many people lead sedentary lifestyles, spending most of their time sitting and engaging in minimal physical activity. This lack of movement can lead to various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems.

MovNat addresses this by encouraging people to move naturally, as our ancestors did. By practicing natural movements, we can improve our strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall health.

MovNat Workshops in Australia

The upcoming MovNat workshops in Melbourne and Sydney are an excellent opportunity for Australians to experience this unique approach to fitness. These workshops will be led by experienced instructors and will cover the fundamentals of natural movement.

Participants will learn how to move efficiently and effectively, improve their physical capabilities, and reconnect with their natural selves. The workshops are suitable for people of all fitness levels and backgrounds.

Benefits of Attending a MovNat Workshop

Attending a MovNat workshop offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved Physical Fitness: Learn how to move your body in ways that enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination.
  • Increased Body Awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of your body's capabilities and limitations.
  • Enhanced Mental Well-being: Engaging in natural movement can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Community Connection: Meet like-minded individuals who are interested in health, fitness, and natural movement.
  • Practical Skills: Gain practical skills that can be applied in everyday life, such as lifting, carrying, and balancing.

MovNat and the Paleo Lifestyle

MovNat aligns well with the Paleo lifestyle, which emphasizes living in a way that's more in tune with our ancestral roots. Just as the Paleo diet focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods, MovNat focuses on moving our bodies in natural, functional ways.

By incorporating MovNat into your routine, you can complement your Paleo diet and enhance your overall health and well-being.

Personal Experience with MovNat

After learning about MovNat and watching Erwan Le Corre's demonstrations, I was inspired to incorporate natural movement into my own fitness routine. I started practicing movements like crawling, balancing, and climbing, and I noticed significant improvements in my strength and mobility.

Attending a MovNat workshop provided me with the guidance and support I needed to deepen my practice. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and the community atmosphere was incredibly motivating.

How to Prepare for a MovNat Workshop

If you're planning to attend a MovNat workshop, here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothing that allows for a full range of motion and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.
  • Bring Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the workshop.
  • Be Open-Minded: Embrace the experience and be willing to try new movements and techniques.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals and modify movements as needed.
  • Engage with the Community: Connect with fellow participants and share your experiences.

Continuing Your MovNat Practice

After attending a workshop, it's important to continue practicing natural movement to maintain and build upon your progress. Here are some ways to keep up your MovNat practice:

  • Daily Movement: Incorporate natural movements into your daily routine, such as walking, squatting, and balancing.
  • Join a Community: Connect with local MovNat groups or online communities for support and motivation.
  • Set Goals: Establish personal movement goals to stay focused and motivated.
  • Seek Further Education: Consider attending additional workshops or pursuing MovNat certifications to deepen your knowledge and skills.

Final Thoughts

MovNat's return to Australia is an exciting opportunity for individuals to explore a holistic approach to fitness that emphasizes natural movement and connection with the environment. Whether you're new to fitness or an experienced athlete, MovNat offers valuable insights and practices that can enhance your physical and mental well-being.

If you're interested in improving your movement capabilities, reconnecting with your natural self, and joining a supportive community, I highly recommend attending a MovNat workshop. It's an experience that can transform the way you move and live.