Everything you need to know about the Natural Method - Hébertism by Georges Hébert

Last time I told you about Erwan Le Corre's MovNat method, and in particular the work of Georges Hébert, who greatly inspired him.

A method that has proven itself and has even won over the army, since he is notably at the origin of the famous obstacle course, a test still used today during competitions and exams.

The natural method is a system of physical education that offers activity in the most natural conditions possible.

Georges Hébert drew inspiration from our way of life, comparing it to our ancestors, to understand what was missing.

The decrease in physical activity, linked to a sedentary lifestyle and the disappearance of certain movements, has led to certain imbalances and is the cause of many ills in our society today.

Georges Hébert established a true philosophy of life, based on natural movement, called Hébertism, and a method of physical education called the Natural Method.

To learn all about these concepts and the man behind it all, don't move my move, it's this way!

The Origins of the Natural Method

In the 19th century, the naturist phenomenon resurfaced. Not as we know it today, linked to nudity, but rather in its purest form: a way of life in harmony with nature.

“The naturist school” is then a therapeutic method, a philosophy, a healthy lifestyle based on respect for the laws of nature.

The movement opposes industrialization and the new way of life of modern society.

It is based on the idea of ​​the total development of the individual through a reasoned return to nature, based in particular on moral and mental culture, vegetarianism and physical education.

It is in this context that Georges Hébert, at the time an officer in the French Navy, observed man in his natural state.

He travels the world and carefully analyses the activities of the natives as well as those of the sailors.

He notes that if the natives are physically developed, it is not because of their physical training.

In fact, they have no need to train since their daily activities are already extremely physical and allow them to maintain themselves naturally. Moving in nature, hunting, carrying loads, building their homes...

These tasks require a lot of energy and therefore allow you to build muscle naturally.

In 1902, he participated in the rescue of the inhabitants of Saint-Pierre, in Martinique, who were suffering from the eruption of Mount Pelée.

He noted that only physically and mentally strong people were able to provide assistance in the chaos, thus motivating him to rethink the physical education system.

He then developed a training method, which he initially used on the marine fusiliers in Lorient. In 1909, the Navy adopted Georges Hébert's Natural Method.

Georges Hébert: The founder of the Natural Method

Georges Hébert was born in Paris in 1875. He joined the Naval Academy at the age of 18 and became a lieutenant in 1907. He made numerous voyages on sailing ships of the Navy.

In 1901, he traveled to New York and visited Attila's gyms. This method of muscle development through atrophy contrasted with that which he had observed among sailors and natives, where development took place in a harmonious manner.

He sought to establish a method of physical education in line with the naturist movement of the time and studied the subject.

But it was really the eruption of Mount Pelée on May 7, 1902, that would turn his life upside down.

Georges Hébert and a few volunteers managed to save 700 inhabitants of the town of Saint Pierre, which was completely destroyed, killing all 30,000 inhabitants.

He became aware of the importance of being physically and morally strong and even wrote in his book: “From then on, my path was mapped out. In our peaceful and perverted society, perhaps through excess of civilization, it was necessary to recreate strong beings.”

He was responsible for training the Lorient marines in 1904, then presented a report on military physical education to the Ministry of the Navy in 1910.

He published several works on the subject and was appointed director of physical exercises in the navy.

In 1913, he was entrusted with the technical direction of the Reims College of Athletes, to promote the propagation of his method and prepare for the 1916 Berlin Olympic Games.

He was wounded during the First World War, where he led a company of marine riflemen trained according to his method, which distinguished itself at the Battle of Dixmude.

Barely recovered, he was put in charge of training the assault troops of all the armies and thus created the famous obstacle course.

But after the war, he devoted himself to civilian physical education, particularly for women. He published a book entitled “Sport against Physical Education” in 1925, in which he denounced the excesses of sports specialization.

He then defines sport as "any type of exercise or physical activity aimed at achieving a performance and whose execution is essentially based on the idea of ​​fighting against a defined element, a distance, a danger, an animal, an adversary <…> and by extension against oneself."

The Natural Method: A Unique Physical Education System

Georges Hébert wrote numerous books on his method and developed a true philosophy of life linked to his concept.

The latter is called “Hébertisme”, from the name of its creator, and includes six components:

• A complete workout using the Natural Method
• Learning common manual trades
• A mental and moral culture
• An intellectual culture
• An aesthetic culture
• A naturist initiative

The Natural Method corresponds to the physical training of hebertism. It is a method of physical education which aims to develop one's body by using "the gestures which are those of our species to acquire integral physical development by a reasoned return to natural living conditions."

It therefore aims to develop physically using gestures and a natural environment. It therefore does not rely on the use of accessories or equipment, in contrast to traditional bodybuilding.

The goal is to perform simple, instinctive and useful gestures which are classified into 10 families, themselves divided into 3 levels of importance.

The Families of Movements of the Natural Method

1. First level: The main movements These are the most important for the development of land resistance. We thus find: walking, running, jumping
2. Second level: Secondary movements These are called secondary movements because they do not correspond to the way we move around today. For example, we talk about: quadrupedal climbing balance swimming
3. Third level: Technical exercises These are specific complementary exercises that can be useful in everyday life under certain conditions. These include: the lift-carrythe throwthe defense

The Course of a Hebertism Session

The Natural Method doesn't have a typical session schedule. It's a very basic physical workout, during which different means of movement are combined, as seen previously.

It is mainly practiced outdoors, preferably in a pleasant environment such as a garden or park in order to benefit from natural energies. But it can also be practiced indoors if necessary.

Georges Hébert, however, defined 15 principles to be respected:

1. Continuity of work The session is carried out without interruption. The exercises must follow one after the other in order to work on endurance and breathing.
2. Alternating opposing efforts To make the notion of continuity of the session possible, it is however necessary to respect the principle of alternation. Indeed, an intense effort must give way to a moderate effort, to allow recovery and thus maintain a sustained rhythm throughout the session.
3. Gradation of intensity of efforts The session must increase in intensity gradually.
4. Initial Warm-Up and Final Cool-Down As with any physical activity, it's important to warm up before starting, paying particular attention to your muscles and joints. Similarly, it's a good idea to finish with a moment of calm, allowing you to return to your normal breathing and heart rate.
5. Dosing and individualizing efforts The Natural Method adapts to everyone. It is therefore necessary to dose the intensity and allow for an alternative for each exercise.
6. Working flexibly The natural movement must be performed flexibly; the muscle must not be contracted unnecessarily.
7. Correct posture and deep breathing It is important to always ensure correct posture: chest slightly out, shoulders back and lowered, back straight, stomach tucked in. Similarly, breathing should be controlled with deep exhalations.
8. Complete freedom of action even in group work. The Natural Method requires everyone to work at their own pace and according to their abilities. This is not group work, but rather individual work. Everyone must give their best.
9. Cultivating Speed ​​and Skill Speed ​​and skill are valuable qualities that require dedication. It is important to always be aware of these qualities during the session in order to constantly seek to develop them.
10. Correcting weak points As in all physical activities, it is necessary to correct everyone's postures and weak points, with the aim of continuous improvement.
11. Adapting to Weather Conditions The Natural Method aims to evolve in one's natural environment. In good weather, it is important to wear light clothing to enjoy the air and sunshine. Similarly, in bad weather, it is necessary to accustom your body to rain and cold in order to develop general resistance.
12. Let the joy flow Joy, enthusiasm, euphoria… Any physical activity provides a feeling of well-being that should be expressed in any way, whether through shouting, singing or dancing.
13. Cultivating qualities of action Qualities of action (courage, will, composure, firmness, etc.) must be constantly valued and highlighted.
14. Cultivating altruism The Natural Method also advocates altruism, that is to say mutual aid and solidarity, starting with the trainer himself who must be exemplary.
15. Cultivating Emulation and Self-Emulation To encourage improvement, it is important to introduce a concept of competition or test that allows for emulation. A rating can also bring a certain self-emulation.

Health, Longevity and Performance Benefits

Hebertism as a whole has many benefits. Firstly, on a physical level.

Like many activities, the Natural Method will help develop muscles as well as certain qualities such as strength, resistance, endurance, mobility, stability or balance as well as coordination.

All this results in all the benefits related to the body and health, which I will not go into in depth: improved blood circulation, reduction of stress and postural disorders, etc.

Georges Hébert makes it a point of order to also develop certain mental qualities as seen previously: courage, will, composure, altruism...

For him, "the temple of the soul and the brain." It is necessary to be physically strong to be morally strong.

But beyond that, for Georges Hébert, body training has an altruistic dimension. We don't train solely for ourselves, but also to help others.

Georges Hébert’s motto: “Be strong to be useful”.

The heirs of the natural method

Georges Hébert's Natural Method has left a lasting legacy in the field of physical training and education.

Several modern methods draw inspiration from it directly or indirectly, adapting the basic principles to their own contexts and objectives. Here are some notable examples:

MovNat by Erwan Le Corre

Erwan Le Corre, a fervent follower of the Natural Method, created MovNat , a training method which aims to rediscover and master the natural movements of the human body.

MovNat focuses on practical movement skills such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, while emphasizing adaptation to the natural environment.

Le Corre draws direct inspiration from the work of Georges Hébert, integrating Hébertism concepts into his training programs.

JF Kennedy's PE program

In the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy launched “The Great National Effort,” a national program aimed at improving the physical fitness of young Americans.

This program was inspired by the principles of the Natural Method, emphasizing the importance of regular and varied physical training. Kennedy firmly believed that physical fitness was essential for academic success and military preparation, and his initiative helped popularize the values ​​of the Natural Method widely.

Ido Portal

Ido Portal is another influential figure in the world of movement, whose approach recalls certain aspects of the Natural Method.

Ido Portal emphasizes versatility, fluidity, and mastery of movement, while exploring diverse disciplines such as dance, martial arts, and parkour.

Although its approach is more contemporary and eclectic, the philosophical foundations share similarities with Hébertism, notably the idea that movement is essential to overall health and well-being.

Ginastica Natural by Alvaro Romano

Created by Alvaro Romano, Ginastica Natural combines natural movements with breathing and muscle strengthening techniques, often inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

This method aims to improve mobility, flexibility, and functional strength, using body weight and fluid movements.

Like the Natural Method, Ginastica Natural emphasizes adapting the body to its natural environment and integrating everyday movements into workout routines.

Other Inspired Methods

Other training methods and programs continue to be inspired by the principles of the Natural Method and hebertism.

For example, Kinstretch FRC 's work focuses on improving joint mobility and functional strength, essential aspects of fitness.

Similarly, approaches like Animal Flow and contemporary circus incorporate natural movements and nature-inspired fitness routines.

These heirs of the Natural Method show to what extent Georges Hébert's ideas remain relevant and influential.

By adapting its principles to modern and varied contexts, they continue to promote a holistic and functional approach to physical training, rooted in the natural movements of the human body and adaptation to the environment.

The legacy of Georges Hébert's Natural Method lives on and continues to inspire new generations of practitioners and coaches.

Where to Practice Hebertism in France?

There is no federation, census or certification linked to the Natural Method or to hebertism.

However, there are a few centers in France.

• Hébertisme.com
  You will find all the information concerning the different centers and places where the Natural Method is practiced around the world on this site: Hébertisme.com
• Nantes Hébertist Center
  It is one of the oldest Hebertist centers in the world. It offers several training sessions each week as well as other activities such as yoga.
  All the information is on their Facebook page: Centre Hébertiste Nantais
• Orléans Hébertist Center
  This fitness center offers video training sessions on its site and in the Orléans region on Saturdays and Mondays.
  For more information, visit their website: Centre Hébertiste Orléanais
• Pétrocorien Hébertist Center
  Another address of the Hébertiste center is located in Bourrou in Dordogne.
  Here is their Facebook page for all the information on training: Centre Hébertiste Pétrocorien

You can also discover episodes of the MOUVERS podcast during which I welcome teachers of the Natural Method:

• MOUVERS #52 – Georges Hébert, Natural Method and the Importance of Play. Reconnect with your deep nature through Natural Movement with Alexandre Borne (Hébertism)
• MOUVERS #133 – Baboon Hunting, Natural Method (Hébertisme), and Magic Mushrooms. Develop your critical thinking with Mathieu Carpentier
• MOUVERS #61 – MovNat, Play and Physical Autonomy. How to Regain Vitality and Find Freedom at Any Age with Jérôme Rattoni (MovNat)
• MOUVERS #84 – MovNat, Cave Diving, Minimalist Ethics, and Decades of Nomadism. How to Develop Resilience at Over 40/50 with Cédric “Vic” Verdier (MovNat)

Nomad Slim
Founder of MOUVERS