01.01 The Problem — Summary

Created 2026-02-04

Updated 2026-02-04

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01.01 The Problem — Summary (English)

Lesson 1.1: The Problem

Lesson Summary

This introductory lesson frames the core problem that Baseworks addresses: while we all have similar physical structures, our ability to control them varies dramatically. The lesson introduces Baseworks’ unique approach of focusing on perception and awareness rather than simply learning new movements, using the analogy of “hacking a self-driving car” to explain the challenge of overriding automatic habitual patterns.

Key Takeaways

1. Universal Structures, Variable Control: We all have basically the same muscles, similar spines, and the same physical equipment. Yet some people can control their muscles much better than others, maintain naturally better posture, and live without tension while others carry tension throughout their lives.

2. The Overlooked Factor: There are different ways to answer why these disparities exist, but Baseworks focuses on something that often gets overlooked: perception and awareness. Rather than focusing solely on physical structure or strength, Baseworks approaches movement and behavior through the lens of how we perceive and attend to what we’re doing.

3. The Problem of Habits: Habits are tough to change because they’re automatic and we don’t really think about them. This applies to how we move, how we feel, and how we think. It’s often easier to learn something completely new rather than change something your body is already used to.

4. The Self-Driving Car Analogy: If we look at movement like driving a car, what we’re dealing with isn’t learning how to drive—it’s more like being in a self-driving car and figuring out how to hack back control of that car. You don’t learn these things in driving school. Learning typical movements is like going to driving school; Baseworks is like learning to hack your self-driving car.

5. Noticing Automaticity: In Baseworks, the first thing we’re trying to notice is what our bodies are doing automatically. We focus on how we make decisions and how we use our attention and energy. Once we can see this clearly, we work on new ways to control our muscles and behavior.

6. How vs. What: A good thing to remember as you practice Baseworks is that Baseworks is not about what you do, but more about how you do it. This fundamental principle distinguishes Baseworks from approaches focused on achieving specific positions or movements.

7. The Squat Example: When we do something like a squat in Baseworks, we’re not trying to do your normal squat. Rather, we’re trying to understand how your body normally moves in that type of movement and discover new ways to control your body in that specific movement.

8. Leave Preconceptions Behind: For this course, all that’s asked is that you leave your preconceptions about movement or what you’ve been doing in the past at the door. Try to follow along with the movements the way they’re described as closely as possible, even if they seem different from what you’re normally used to.

Why This Matters

Understanding that the challenge isn’t learning new movements but rather overriding deeply ingrained automatic patterns reframes the entire practice. This shift in perspective—from “what am I doing” to “how am I doing it”—is foundational to everything that follows in the Baseworks method and explains why the practice may feel different from other movement systems.

Tip: As you begin this course, notice when you catch yourself thinking “I already know how to do this” or “I’ve done this movement before.” These moments of assumed familiarity are precisely when your “self-driving car” is most active—and when you have the greatest opportunity to practice hacking back control.