Men That Move - Theo Necces

Men That Move - Theo Necces

Theo Necces of So We Flow... doing a straddle handstand

Meet Theo - one of the original members of the So We Flow... Fellowship - and an incredible and inspiring mover, thinker and general human being. 

Bio

Theo Necces, Born 1993, Movement Practitioner & Teacher

Instagram: @mindsetoftheo / Website: mindsetoftheo.com

What does your perfect morning look like?

My perfect morning starts with a perfect bedtime routine the night before. If I prepare my food, clothes and backpack in the evening, I have time in the morning to focus on myself. I wake up at 5am and give myself 90 minutes to be active in the fields of journalling, meditation, reading, stretching and light movement. Right after waking up, I enjoy a sip of water and taking 5 easy minutes to care for my plants.

Tell us about how you got into movement.

I played soccer from the age of 4 until 21. When I was 12 I saw a music video of Fort Minor where a guy did a wallflip. From then I was hooked and began practicing parkour and freerunning. Over time I researched more and more about tricking, breakdancing, Capoeira, calisthenics, climbing, cliff jumping, yoga and hand-balancing - anything I could get my hands on!

Theo Necces sat in a field with cows, interviewed by So We Flow...

What style of movement do you practice most nowadays and what keeps you coming back for more?

I focus primarily on execution, proper technique of skills and safe, controlled training. There's no particular discipline. I flip lots, do powermoves, play around with balances and even exhausting, high intensity workouts. In and around I include yoga to keep my body supple enough for the new skills I want to learn. 

My movement practice is the fountain of joy and happiness for me. Without it I don't feel well. It's a meditation, a state of flow, a drug - I always want more.

If you could only train or practice for 2 hours per week, how would you spend it?

Haha! I would just fool around I guess. The playful approach is what's helped me come so far. Jumping around and looking for possibilities to move is all I would do in those two hours. Simply being thankful for the fact I'm able to move.

What's your primary goal in your practice at present?

It's hard to say. There are skills I'd like to unlock such as multiple airflare and a handful of arm balances. However, I'm not focusing on one of those small goals too much. My 'goal' is to understand my body and soul through movement. I want to be in complete control of my body and make a habitat of endless possibilities and happiness. 

What's your all time favourite movement, pose or technique?

Bro, can you backflip?! But in all seriousness, there are too many beautiful movements to only put one in the spotlight.

Theo Necces wearing So We Flow... smiling and clasping his hands together

What makes a great teacher (of any discipline)?

As I started to teach people in a serious way, I figured out it's about being a role model and not an announcer. A good coach shows you the way and gives advice on how it's done, but ultimately let's you discover the path by yourself. A good teacher doesn't teach, he acts.

In the last five years, what habit, belief or behaviour has most improved your life?

"Be prepared for everything, but expect nothing". He who finds all he needs within himself and his practice will never have to be afraid to lose anything. All I need for a meaningful life is inside of me.

Tell us about a time failure has led you to later success.

I had knee surgery twice due to a torn meniscus. It's broken again and they can't fix it, but that's okay. I can still move - that's the lesson. Whatever obstacle might appear, it will strengthen your character and create new options. In those times of recovery, I taught myself Russian, how to juggle, learned about sustainability, environment and resources, food, nature and animals. I found joy in things I thought I would have no talent in such as drawing. If one door closes, another will open.

What are some books or films that have greatly influenced your life?

'Peaceful Warrior' by Dan Millman. This book really helped me to start questioning life and research deeper rather than only scratching the surface.

Also, 'Flow' by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you choose and why?

I would like to know what it feels like to fly. So it would be an eagle I guess.

Theo stretching in the mirror wearing So We Flow... vest and beanie hat

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

I spend way too much time on my phone playing chess!

When you feel stressed or unfocused, what do you do to resolve it?

Cold water confrontation. 

What advice would you give to someone who is about to embark on a movement and wellness journey? What advice should they choose to ignore? 

I would recommend to simply enjoy it no matter where you are on your journey. The path is the goal. It makes no difference if you practice a forward roll or a one arm handstand. It's all the same. You show up to practice, you suffer, struggle, make progress, grow desperate, get hurt, keep going... If you understand that it is all about process and nothing else, you have already won. I won't judge you by the level of your training, but for the effort you bring.

I feel like people give too much advice on how to achieve goals fast. There's no hack or trick to cheat skills. You need to learn, put in the time and deserve it. Don't listen to those that say otherwise. Stay on the loyal track and work your butt off.

Theo Necces performing an arm balance in front of an ornate gate, wearing So We Flow...

What are the worst recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Don't take the advice of those that claim to know something based on a few Youtube clips or having read a book or two. Wisdom is learned through experience, idiots are created through an overdose of information. Listen to those that walk the walk, not those that talk the talk. Ignore broscience at all costs.

If you could share one message to every single person on the planet, what would you say and why?

"Opportunity is missed by most people, because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work". - Thomas Edison

I've met many people who had great opportunities at hand. They gave up because the road got a little rocky. Hard work pays off. Consistency is key. Keep going!

I wish everyone to be happy and healthy. Share love and support what's good.

-

Catch Theo on Instagram: @mindsetoftheo or his website: mindsetoftheo.com


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