The Art of Intentional Movement

ALAN EVANS

The Art of Intentional Movement

One of my favorite aspects of life is having the time to focus on learning and applying practices that simply make me feel good. I recently kicked off a new 8-week training program that keeps me moving every single morning. My week looks a bit like this: Mon/Wed/Fri in the gym, Tue/Thur sprints followed by a hike, and Sat/Sun dedicated entirely to hiking.

Here is what’s keeping me inspired through this new morning routine:

Inside the Gym: Zero Distractions

My gym training is incredibly fun and challenging, mostly because I’ve eliminated the noise. I don't bring my phone in with me, and I don't wear headphones. No music, no podcasts. Instead, I listen closely to my body during my warmup to ensure I'm ready for the lift. Every single movement during training is entirely intentional, focusing deeply on form and targeting specific muscle groups.

On the Track: Coaching from Kalen

My morning sprints have been absolute highlights, largely because I have a secret weapon: my son, Kalen, who is a fantastic strength and conditioning coach. Having him there to guide me through warmups, drills, and sprints—and getting his instant feedback after every run—is an incredible gift. I take his cues, hit the next run, and feel faster and more locked into my form with every take. By the end of our sessions, I’m dripping with sweat, feeling loose, and ready for the mountain.

On the Trail: Connecting with Nature

After sprints, things slow down a bit as the morning birds greet us on the way up Sugarloaf. Make no mistake—this isn’t a casual walk. It’s another great bit of physical exercise, but it's also where the mind, body, and nature all fire together in a way that perfectly prepares me for the day ahead.

Everything I learn, every training session, and every intentional movement helps inspire the next one. It’s a beautiful cycle that ultimately makes every single aspect of my life something that I truly love.

The Magic of the Follow-Up Album

There’s something incredibly special about working with an artist or band for a second time. Walking into the studio, catching up on life, and embarking on a new creative journey with familiar faces instantly sets a loose, comfortable vibe. You’re not just making music; you're picking up right where you left off.

Recording, mixing, and mastering the second Reckoners album, Where The Hell Am I?, was everything I hoped it would be. These guys operate old-school: they showed up rehearsed, locked in, and ready to rock—while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous studio magic. In fact, I’d be shocked if we did more than three takes for any song on the album. They are just that tight.

The momentum didn't stop when the tracking ended, either. Once the album was officially locked, we immediately transitioned into a live video session, filming their entire set right here in the recording studio. From start to finish, the energy of the whole session was absolute magic.

There is a real honor and beauty in being invited into a band’s creative space to help capture a specific moment in time that adds to the beauty of our world.

I hope you all enjoy Where The Hell Am I? as much as I enjoyed helping bring it to life. Go give it a listen, and let the Reckoners know what you think—I’m already looking forward to round three!!!

LISTEN HERE

TIM GEARAN • VOCALS
JOHNNY TRAMA • GUITAR
THOMAS AREY • DRUMS
MARC HICKOX • BASS
DARBY WOLF • KEYS

SPECIAL GUESTS

KEVIN BARRY • GUITAR, LAP STEEL
LAMAR WILLIAMS JR. • BACKGROUND VOCALS
NIGEL HALL • KEYS, BACKGROUND VOCALS
ROB LOHR • WHAMMY BAR GUITAR

RECORDED, MIXED AND MASTERED BY ALAN EVANS
ARTWORK BY ALAN EVANS

RELEASED BY GITCHA RECORDS

Reckoners @ Wellspring Sound April 9th & 10th 2025

The Beauty of the Detour

On my way home from the gym on a beautiful morning recently, I remembered a few items in my trunk that needed to go to my storage unit. Just as the thought crossed my mind, I realized I was at a literal crossroads.

I could continue straight through Greenfield to Route 5 & 10—the direct, well-traveled state road through the Pioneer Valley. It’s a perfectly fine route, but at that hour, it’s far from quiet. My usual way home, however, is a winding parallel path. Taking it to the storage unit meant a slight detour, but in that split second, I chose a few extra minutes of scenic peace over efficiency.

Cruising south through the rolling green hills, the journey was so pleasant it got me thinking: I’ve been making this exact choice for most of my adult life. Taking the slower, more fulfilling path has become my default.

This mindset doesn’t just apply to the beautiful roads of Western Massachusetts; it’s woven into everything I do. It’s in my music, my approach to engineering, and how I reflect on the world. Is shaving off a few minutes really worth the beauty and opportunity we bypass just to arrive a little sooner?

Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone you think would enjoy it.

I would love to hear what’s going on with you so definitely hit me back whenever.

Hope all’s great in your world.