Just finished teaching a 2-day Functional Movement Coaching course for a great group of fitness professionals in Calgary. Reminded me of the importance of movement quality, and the benefit of custom-designed exercises specific to YOUR needs, so I have decided to teach you what functional movement coaching is.
About Functional Movement Coaching
A functional movement pattern is extremely versatile. The most important part of exercise and fitness is how you implement this movement pattern and modify it to make an exercise that will benefit your specific needs.
This is rarely taught in the fitness industry, which is why I created this functional movement coaching course.
For the past few decades, I’ve been providing this approach to my coaching clients, but most of the industry is unaware of how to do this.
The great news is that it’s not difficult, and anyone can understand it.
So, I’ve decided to provide you with a few key nuggets of information that I shared with the trainers in my course over the weekend.
First Functional Movement Tip:
- The most important part of movement is to get your body in the correct position. This is called “alignment”.
- Maintaining correct alignment during dynamic activity involves overcoming the various forces acting internally and externally on your body (momentum, weights, changing body positions, etc.). This ability to stay in your desired position is called “bracing”.
- 90% of technique errors come from a breakdown of bracing in 2 key areas (pelvis/core and shoulder girdle)
Second Functional Movement Tip:
Virtually every exercise you will ever do can be sorted into 1 (or more) of 7 categories. We call these Primal Movement Patterns. Master the basics of each of these 7 functional movement patterns, and you will be able to adapt and adjust to any exercise or fitness program easily.
These 7 functional movement patterns…
- Squat
- Lunge
- Push (horizontal & overhead)
- Pull (horizontal & overhead)
- Hinge
- Rotate/Anti-rotate
- Gait (balance and transition between legs)
I guarantee you’ve done all of these functional movements before, but have not likely been taught to do them correctly…unless you’ve worked with me or my training team.
You don’t have to be a fitness professional to benefit. All you have to do is read our posts and follow along. Additionally, we have included this video playlist for you.
What movement patterns do you find the most challenging? Comment below and let’s discuss how we can improve together.
Happy functional movement training!
Expert Personal Training and Lifestyle Coaching To Help You Thrive
Comments
My legs are strong. But my arms! I can’t pull or push properly. I sit in front of a computer daily and the only exercise is walking my two dogs every night and running. Great article. Time to make some changes. 🙂
Thank you for the feedback, and best of luck with making those changes!
Informative article. Not doing any form of exercise correctly can lead to damage or limited results. Thanks for sharing.
Exactly Kevin! Injuries hapen when you maintain inproper form of exercise. Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for these tips. I struggle with doing things like squats properly without extending my knees out too far.
Yes, that happenes with a lot of people. Keep trying to maintain proper form. Thanks for commenting!
Great post! I learnt so much about functional movement, honestly i never used to pay any attention to it but definitely will in the future!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Thank you for the introduction to this fitness method. I am one who doesn’t work out enough or properly – but feeling motivated by this article.
Great to hear that! Thanks for the feedback!
I love the idea of functional movement. I want to train my body to do the things I want it to do on a daily basis. I’m not flexing or competing.
Thank you for the support!
I love this program. These movements are the foundation for our daily life and for so many more focused exercises in the gym.
Exactly Ben! Thanks for commenting!
I’m reflecting on my routines now and realizing there’s so much room to improve on the basics. Thanks for making fitness approachable and functional! Can’t wait to work on that pelvis/core bracing! haha!
Thanks for enagaging and commenting!
Great read! Functional movement coaching sounds like a game-changer for improving everyday activities and overall fitness. I appreciate the clear explanation of its benefits and how it focuses on natural movements.
Thanks for the support and for the feedback!
Functional movement coaching might be something that I need to look into. It looks like it might be useful for me.
It sure will! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I really enjoyed learning about functional movement. The videos were really helpful too. Going to look into this some more. Thanks!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Functional movement coaching sounds like an incredible way to get your body into optimal shape. it’s incredible that you offer this!
Thank you for the support! And thanks for the feedback!
This sounds fascinating! I’ve been interested in improving my form during exercise to avoid injury and get the most out of my workouts.
The idea of customizing exercises based on individual needs is awesome. It seems many fitness programs offer a one-size-fits-all approach, which to be honest isn’t always ideal!
Yes, we have different aproach then many fitness professionals. Thanks for commenting!
I try to kerp my abs as trim as i can and my arms stripper of flan. My 2 goals.
Good luck with your goals!
Appreciate the tips! I was really paying attention if I am doing it correctly or not. Checking out more of your videos on YT.
You can check out our Instagram account as well for more tips and instructions.
This is awesome and a good idea for a course. It is beneficial for our bodies indeed. Learned something new from your videos and article. I will give them a try. Thank you!
Thank you for reading and engaging!