Do Common Things Uncommonly Well: The Foundations
of Movement
“When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the
attention of the world.”
— George Washington Carver
At Renew Physical Therapy, we see this quote play out in the gym every day. The most
effective movements for building strength, resilience, and longevity aren’t the flashy ones —
they’re the common ones done uncommonly well.
We’re talking about the basics: the push-up, deadlift, squat, and shoulder press. These
movements show up in nearly everything you do — from getting up off the floor to carrying
groceries to reaching overhead. The difference between pain and performance often lies in
how precisely and intentionally you move through these patterns.
In this series, we break down each of these foundational exercises to show you how small
details — breathing, control, alignment, and tension — can completely change the outcome.
The Push-Up: Owning the Foundation
Most people think of the push-up as a simple upper-body exercise, but done uncommonly
well, it’s a full-body skill. Why it matters: A well-executed push-up builds shoulder stability and
core control that carry over to almost every upper-body movement.
The Deadlift: Mastering the Hinge
The deadlift is more than a lift — it’s a hinge pattern your body uses dozens of times a day.
Why it matters: Done uncommonly well, the deadlift strengthens your back, hips, and grip —
and keeps your spine safe during daily lifting.
The Squat: Strength from the Ground Up
Squatting isn’t just for the gym — it’s how we sit, stand, and move through life. Why it matters:
When you learn to squat uncommonly well, you build mobility and control that protect your
knees, hips, and back for decades.
The Shoulder Press: Reach with Intention
Overhead movement is an essential but often painful when mechanics break down.
Why it matters: A well-performed shoulder press teaches your body how to lift overhead safely —
whether you’re loading shelves or lifting kids.
Excellence in movement isn’t about complexity. It is about attention. When you move with
precision and purpose, you build a body that performs and endures. That’s what we help our
patients do every day at Renew Physical Therapy.
Follow along on our social media to hear how we break down each of these movements!
Want to learn how your movement stacks up?
Schedule a Movement Screen or Performance Evaluation with our team to start doing your
“common” movements uncommonly well.
