Unlocking Strength Through Movement: Tim Anderson and Original Strength

In the world of fitness and mobility, Tim Anderson has made a significant impact with his Original Strength system. His approach is built on the idea that the human body was designed to move in specific ways, and by returning to those fundamental movement patterns, we can restore strength, flexibility, and resilience.

Who is Tim Anderson?

Tim Anderson is a movement coach and the co-founder of Original Strength, a system focused on improving mobility, coordination, and overall physical performance. Rather than relying on complicated exercises, he promotes simple, natural movements—like breathing properly, head control, rolling, rocking, and crawling—to help people move and feel better. His philosophy is that our bodies are designed to move well from birth, but modern life often limits that ability. By “pressing reset” on our movement patterns, we can regain lost mobility and strength.

Why is Mobility Training Important?

Mobility is the foundation of strength, endurance, and injury prevention. When joints and muscles move freely and correctly, the body functions at its best. Many people suffer from stiffness, pain, or limitations due to poor movement habits, whether from too much sitting, repetitive strain, or lack of activity.

Unlike static stretching, mobility training involves active movement to restore function. It helps improve posture, reduces aches and pains, and enhances athletic performance. By focusing on fundamental patterns—like rolling and crawling—Original Strength helps people regain movement quality at any age.

How Does This Relate to Jiu-Jitsu?

For Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, mobility is key. The art of grappling demands fluid movement, balance, coordination, and body control. Tight hips, stiff shoulders, or poor core activation can limit performance and increase the risk of injury.

Movements like rocking and crawling mimic the natural transitions in Jiu-Jitsu—shrimping, bridging, and sweeping all require strong foundational movement patterns. By incorporating Original Strength principles into training, practitioners can improve their movement efficiency, recover faster, and build a more injury-resistant body.

Try It for Yourself

Tim Anderson has created many simple routines to help people restore their movement. One of the best places to start is with a rocking routine, which improves hip mobility, spinal alignment, and overall body coordination. Check out this 10-minute routine to experience it firsthand:

By adding mobility work into your daily routine, whether for Jiu-Jitsu or general health, you can unlock new levels of movement and strength. Give it a try and see how it transforms the way you move and feel!