Most importantly, functional movement and training aims to decrease unnecessary or inefficient movement patterns. This promotes balance in the body which helps to prevent pain and injury.
People often raise concerns about the lack of a clear definition for the term ‘functional movement’ and ‘functional training.’ While it is true that the interpretation of functional training can be subjective, H2O Health & Performance has developed an easy-to-understand definition.
Most anthropologists agree that the primary evolutionary movement priorities for humans are:
- GAIT (WALK, JOG, RUN, SPRINT)
- THROWING (WITH BOTH ARMS)
- LUNGING
- SQUATTING
- BENDING
- PUSHING
- PULLING
- TWISTING
AND… #9 SWIMMING!
Why Swimming?
Scientists believe it takes humans approximately 45,000 years to evolve. Swimming has been around for thousands of years, and our species has developed with it, all the way from water births to spear fishing… H2O believes it is one of THE BEST regressive exercises for correcting our posture and improving our overall health and performance.
The unique patterns exhibited during land movements (#1 – #8) distinguish humans from all other organisms on Earth, defining our species. Additionally, all other human movements are derived from these primary functions. Our ability to perform seemingly basic movements in our biology is the foundation for our entire movement repertoire.
Based on the above information, a “functional training” program is one that aims to optimize these primary functions.
Nowadays, we find ourselves in a unique situation where the most skilled movers are often recorded during sporting events. This has resulted in the creation of videos and films that can be slowed down and watched repeatedly. This presents the opportunity now for all trainers of the modern age to decipher the biomechanics of the movements of the world’s top athletes. With the help of technology, they can easily reshare these insights with people of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Coaches can demonstrate precisely how to close the disparity between your movement and that of those who perform at the highest levels. When integrated, this helps improve our movements and aesthetic appearance, plus aiding in the accomplishment of our unique health and fitness goals.
Regardless of your prior movement experience, in the end, we all aspire to move with ease and fluidity, and perform our daily lifestyle tasks, without any overwhelming sensations of tightness or restriction.