Functional Movement: Fitness Explained

Functional movement refers to the ability to carry out basic to complex physical actions that are integral to everyday life. From running and lifting to bending over and picking up objects, functional movements are foundational to fitness and health.

What is Functional Movement?

Functional movement is a term used within the health and fitness sector to describe movements that are based on real-world biomechanics. These are movements we use in our everyday life as well as in sports. They involve multiple muscles working together for effective and efficient motion.

Why is Functional Movement Important?

Understanding and practicing functional movement has a significant role in fitness, health, and weight loss. Functional movements help to:

• Build overall body strength
• Improve balance and coordination
• Enhance mobility and flexibility
• Increase muscle endurance & optimization
• Boost overall health by promoting better posture and reducing risk for injuries

These multi-joint actions enable us to perform high-quality, efficient movements leading to more productive workouts and a healthier lifestyle.

The Science of Functional Movement

Functional movement corresponds with the biomechanical principles of the body. By utilizing multiple muscle groups simultaneously rather than isolating them, functional movements align with how our body is designed to move. This is backed by years of anatomical and physiological research showing that these full-body, compound movements lead to more well-rounded workouts and decreased risk of injuries.

How to Improve Your Functional Movement

Below are steps to improve your functional movement:

1. Incorporate functional movements like squats, lunges, and pushes in your workout routine.
2. Focus on correct form and posture while performing any task.
3. Engage in exercises that involve stability and balance.
4. Work slowly on new movements until wholly learned.
5. Allow your muscles time to rest and recovery post-workout.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Functional Movement

The benefits of functional movements are substantial and include promoting muscular balance, enhancing joint stability, improving mobility, and reducing risk of injury in real-world scenarios.

Yet, there might be possible drawbacks if not executed properly. Certain complex functional movements can pose a risk of injury if they are performed incorrectly, or without adequate strength, flexibility, or coordination.

Related Terms

• Compound Movements: These are exercises that use multiple muscle groups at the same time.
• Mobility: This refers to the ability to move freely and easily in a wide range of movements.
• Muscular Endurance: This is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to sustain repeated contractions against a resistance for an extended period.
• Biomechanics: The study of the structure and function of the mechanical aspects of biological systems.
• Strength Training: This is a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction.

Functional Movement Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the ultimate goal of functional movement? The goal is to make daily tasks safer and more efficient by training your muscles to work together and prepare them for common daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, work, or in sports.
• How does functional movement differ from traditional weight lifting? Traditional weight lifting often involves isolated movements, while functional fitness exercises involve training the body for the activities performed in daily life.

In Summary

Functional Movement forms the basis of movements we carry out in day-to-day life. Incorporating such movements into one's fitness routine can lead to better functional fitness, reducing injury risks, and improving health and well-being. Despite potential risks if performed incorrectly, the advantages of functional movement are clear when considering overall mobility, strength and balance.