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Fitness doesn't have to mean treadmills and weight machines. What if it meant solving movement problems instead?

Shelby Copeland takes us on a journey that challenges everything we thought we knew about exercise. As the founder of Force of Nature Movement in Madison, Wisconsin, she's pioneering an approach to physical activity that focuses on skill acquisition rather than conventional fitness metrics.

What makes Shelby's perspective particularly refreshing is her own unconventional path. Until age 25, she lived a sedentary lifestyle plagued by chronic pain. A humbling experience surfing with a friend twenty years her senior sparked her curiosity about movement. "What do I need to do to be ready to have adventures?" became the question that transformed her life.

Through MoveNat, parkour, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, rock climbing, and ninja training, Shelby discovered that movement could be about solving problems rather than performing exercises. This realization forms the core of her teaching philosophy today, where she helps people of all ages reconnect with natural movement patterns in unconventional spaces like parks, playgrounds, and libraries.

The most captivating aspect of Shelby's work is her "Parkour for Seniors" program. Working alongside physical and occupational therapists, she guides older adults through playground-based movement challenges that improve balance, coordination, and confidence. The joy on participants' faces as they navigate obstacles and learn to manage the fear of falling speaks volumes about the program's impact.

Whether teaching children through exploratory play or helping seniors rediscover their physical capabilities, Shelby's approach centers on "challenge by choice" – allowing people to select their own level of risk and difficulty. This creates sustainable motivation and builds genuine movement confidence that extends beyond the gym walls.

Ready to rethink your relationship with movement? Listen now to discover how natural, skill-based movement might be the missing piece in your fitness journey – regardless of your age or experience level.

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