Animal Flow Bodyweight Conditioning: Your Guide to a Total Body Transformation

Bodyweight training has surged in popularity, and for good reason. It’s the perfect solution for home workouts, requiring minimal space and no equipment while delivering maximum results. Among the various modalities, one stands out for its unique combination of mobility, strength, and creativity: Animal Flow. This dynamic, ground-based practice goes beyond traditional fitness routines, offering a comprehensive approach to conditioning that’s as engaging as it is effective.

Whether you’re looking to improve your mobility, build core strength, or challenge your endurance, an Animal Flow workout has something for everyone. Let’s dive into why this system is ideal for total body conditioning explore its key movements, and uncover the benefits that make it a game-changer for all fitness levels.

What is Animal Flow?

Animal Flow is a bodyweight workout system that mimics animal-like movements to improve strength, mobility, and coordination. Combining elements of martial arts, yoga, gymnastics, and even breakdancing, it creates a unique and fluid style of movement that’s as functional as it is fun. This system is highly adaptable, making it suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. From movement prep to active rest, and even as a standalone workout, Animal Flow integrates seamlessly into any fitness regimen.

Why Choose an Animal Flow Workout?

Animal Flow exercises offer a holistic approach to fitness. Unlike traditional workouts, which often isolate muscle groups, Animal Flow focuses on functional movements that mimic real-life activities. Each movement challenges multiple muscle groups, improving overall fitness and muscular endurance. Moreover, the transitions and flow sequences require focus and control, enhancing coordination and body awareness.

The benefits extend beyond physical fitness. Regular practice can improve mobility in your hips, shoulders, and spine, helping you move more freely and with less discomfort. The emphasis on continuous patterns and dynamic transitions also provides a cardiovascular challenge, making it a great way to burn calories while having fun. Plus, the playful nature of the practice makes it an excellent stress-relief tool.

Interested in more Animal Flow? Sign up for a complimentary coaching call to discuss coaching and assessment options, or head over to our marketplace for the full program delivered in app.

Exploring Key Animal Flow Movements

Ape Reach

Ape Reach - Ankle, hip, spine, and shoulder mobility

Ape Reach - Ankle, hip, spine, and shoulder mobility

Ape Reach enhances mobility in the ankles, hips, spine, and shoulders. Starting in a deep squat, you place your hands on the ground, reach one arm overhead, and twist your torso. Alternating sides creates a dynamic stretch that opens up the posterior chain and improves posture.

Loaded Beast

Loaded Beast - Ankle, hip, core, and shoulder stability

Loaded Beast - Ankle, hip, core, and shoulder stability

The Loaded Beast targets stability in the ankles, hips, core, and shoulders. Beginning in a quadruped position, you shift your weight back toward your heels before explosively transitioning into a plank. This movement strengthens the upper body and prepares you for more dynamic patterns.

Beast Reach

Beast Reach - Hip mobility, core stability

Beast Reach - Hip mobility, core stability

This movement focuses on hip mobility and core stability. From a quadruped position, extend one leg behind you while reaching the opposite arm forward, creating a diagonal stretch. It activates your core and enhances flexibility.

Side Kick Through

Side Kick Through - Thoracic, hip, and ankle mobility. Core stability.

Side Kick Through - Thoracic, hip, and ankle mobility. Core stability.

The Side Kick Through combines mobility and stability, targeting the thoracic spine, hips, ankles, and core. Starting in a quadruped position, you lift one hand and the opposite foot, kicking your leg through as your torso rotates.

Crab Reach

Crab Reach - Thoracic mobility, shoulder stability. Glute activation.

Crab Reach - Thoracic mobility, shoulder stability. Glute activation.

For thoracic mobility and glute activation, the Crab Reach is ideal. Sitting in a crab position with your hands behind you and feet flat on the floor, you lift your hips while reaching one arm overhead. This movement opens the chest and shoulders, strengthening the posterior chain.

Scorpion

Scorpion - Thoracic and hip mobility. Shoulder, core stability.

Scorpion - Thoracic and hip mobility. Shoulder, core stability.

The Scorpion improves spinal flexibility and strengthens the shoulders and core. From a prone position, lift one leg and twist it across your body while reaching the opposite arm forward. It’s a dynamic way to enhance mobility and coordination.

Front Kick Through

Front Kick Through - Ankle, hip, and shoulder power. Total body conditioning.

Front Kick Through - Ankle, hip, and shoulder power. Total body conditioning.

This explosive movement builds power and coordination. Transitioning from a quadruped position, you perform a high kick while engaging your core. It’s perfect for total body conditioning.

Integrating Animal Flow into Your Routine

Animal Flow is versatile enough to fit into any workout plan. It can serve as a warm-up, preparing your body for more intense activity with moves like the Ape Reach and Beast Reach. During strength training, short sequences act as active rest, keeping you engaged while recovering. For standalone workouts, combine movements into a 20-30 minute flow for a full-body challenge. Finally, end your routine with stretches like the Crab Reach or Scorpion to cool down and relax.

If you’re new to Animal Flow, focus on learning the basics. Master foundational movements such as the Loaded Beast and Side Kick Through before progressing to more complex patterns. Watching Animal Flow videos or seeking guidance from a certified coach can also help ensure proper form and steady progress.

Reverse Salamander Rotational Core Training Video 


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