Learn why Good Movement Matters !
GOOD Movement Matters
 
I will tell you why good movement matters matters, because without it, we get hurt! How despairing to finally find the motivation and self-drive to begin a new fitness program and find yourself out in 2 weeks due to an injury? Ugh! Here is the good news:  If you can perform 'functional" exercise pain free, there is a chance your movement is right on target.
The term functional exercise is gaining a lot of popularity in the field of fitness. Is it because of CrossFit? Gray Cook's FMS? For whatever reason, it is a GOOD thing. But even better would be to understand what is good movement and what is functional exercise? How about  empowering yourself to understand what it is, and what it is not.

In order for your exercise routine to be effective, it must be consistent, progressive and sustainable. No one ever won a race after completing a lap around the block or lost 20 pounds after a 30-minute exercise video? Therefore, one must prepare to stay with the routine and being injured shortly into the new habit will be a sure way to come to a screeching halt.

Statistics are astounding to the number of injuries that occur when one begins to exercise. Among those who begin a resistance training regime, 36% wind up with a shoulder injury. The ever popular CrossFit, 20-27% of those exercising will admit to being in pain while doing so.

Functional exercise refers to exercise that simulates activities that you perform on a daily basis. In other words, do you often stand in one place and lift a 40-pound bag over and over, say 30 times, without ever moving? Do you often stand in one place and squat 90 pounds over and over? The answer is probably not. Reality is : If you have to lift 40 pounds, it might be to carry something across your yard? Are you squatting and lifting 90 pounds? Perhaps, but chances are you do this 1-2 times and not 30.  The goal of functional movement is to put your body through series of movements in multiple planes. Meaning, you may rotate or carry a weight, but never or rarely while standing still or while sitting down.

Functional exercise does not require repetitive fatigue or lifting of super heavy items. It means being more efficient and capable to withstand the activities you already enjoy!
When starting an exercise program make sure that you explain your goals well to the mentor in charge. Make sure they understand how you move currently. Your exercise may not and should not look like someone else in your class. For instance, if you are really stiff or lack motion in your shoulder, it is more important to learn and restore a movement than to just make the shoulder "stronger". Poor movement quality will most always lead to a technical break down which means INJURY. Additionally, only focusing on strengthening one side of a joint will cause imbalances in that area that also lead to INJURY.

In conclusion, do your research! Seek assistance by a licensed professional and discover your current limitations! Pushing through something because you think it should be hard is never a good thing. Exercise should be challenging, but not painful! Please know when to quit and educate yourself on the goal of a specific class or program. By understanding the teacher/ trainer's intent, it will help you understand if your movement is correct or inappropriate. For example, it the object of an exercise is to fatigue a muscle group - you should feel tired to the point you can no longer hold a specific technique. When you start to alter the way your body moves, BAM! Rest! You accomplished the goal. Don't keep pushing, this leads to injury.
 
There is so much to explain here, stay tuned or ask your questions on our Facebook page. We would love to help! Don't be scared to exercise, don't wait until you are stronger or thinner, just do it. But, make sure that you are taking care of your body along the way so that it becomes a lifestyle and not a brief moment in time!

At S2S,  our performance enhancement specialists are trained in the Functional Movement Screen, FMS. A validated tool to provide guidelines in setting your exercise regime! Additionally, if you score low on the FMS secondary to elicited pain, they will refer you directly to one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy!
 
Come let us help you reach beyond your goals!
 
 

STAY CONNECTED: