- Coach Ryan
- December 22, 2023
- 04:14 pm
Introduction
The human body is an intricate and awe-inspiring machine, capable of performing a wide range of movements. However, in today's modern world, we often find ourselves confined to sedentary lifestyles, spending hours sitting at desks and engaging in repetitive movements that are far removed from how our bodies naturally function. This has led to a host of structural imbalances and weaknesses in our bodies, affecting everything from our fascia and joints to our tendons, ligaments, and skeleton.
In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of the functional body – a paradigm that focuses on how our bodies are designed to move in accordance with nature. We will explore the differences between conventional exercises performed in the gym and the natural movements our bodies are meant to perform. Moreover, we will shed light on how isolating and unilateral exercises can lead to imbalances within the body's structure. Finally, we will discuss the importance of performing functional movements and exercises to holistically balance the body's structure and improve functional strength.
Embrace the Power of Natural Functional Movement! Enhance real-life performance, prevent injuries, be functinoally fit to be useful.
Understanding The Functional Body
Before we can fully appreciate the benefits of functional movements and exercises, it is crucial to understand what the functional body entails. The functional body refers to how our bodies naturally move and function in a way that aligns with their design and evolutionary purpose.
Our bodies are designed to engage in a diverse array of movements such as squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, twisting, jumping, and running. These movements are not only essential for our survival but also play a crucial role in maintaining optimal physical health and well-being.
These movements are not only essential for our survival but also play a crucial role in maintaining optimal physical health and well-being.
Conventional Exercises vs Natural Movements
Conventional exercises performed in gyms often focus on isolated muscle groups or specific body parts. These exercises typically involve using machines or free weights to target individual muscles or muscle groups. While they can be effective for building strength and muscle mass, they fail to replicate the natural movements our bodies are designed for.
On the other hand, natural movements encompass a broader range of multi-joint, multi-plane exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. These movements mimic real-life activities and require the integration of various muscles, joints, and connective tissues to work harmoniously.
Imbalances Caused By Isolating Exercises
Isolating or unilateral exercises, as commonly performed in traditional gym workouts, can lead to imbalances within the body's structure. When we isolate a specific muscle or muscle group without considering its relationship to other parts of the body, we disrupt the natural synergy between muscles and compromise overall functionality.
For example, performing bicep curls with dumbbells may develop strong biceps but neglect the opposing muscles in the triceps. This muscular imbalance can lead to poor posture, joint instability, and an increased risk of injury.
The Role Of Fascia In Functional Movement
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It plays a crucial role in transmitting forces throughout the body and providing structural support. When we perform functional movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, we stimulate and strengthen the fascial system.
Conversely, isolating exercises fail to adequately target the fascia. As a result, fascial restrictions can develop, leading to decreased flexibility, limited range of motion, and potential pain or discomfort.
Joint Health And Functional Strength
Functional movements are not only beneficial for muscular development but also crucial for maintaining joint health. In natural movements like squats or lunges, multiple joints work together synergistically to distribute forces evenly. This promotes joint stability and reduces the risk of injury.
In contrast, conventional exercises that target individual muscles may not effectively address joint stability or balance. Neglecting these critical aspects can have long-term consequences for joint health and overall functional strength.
Holistic Body Structure Balance
One of the key advantages of incorporating functional movements and exercises into your fitness routine is their ability to holistically balance the body's structure. By engaging multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously, functional exercises promote overall symmetry and harmonious development.
For instance, performing compound movements like deadlifts or push-ups engages not only major muscle groups but also stabilizer muscles that support proper posture and alignment. This comprehensive approach helps prevent muscular imbalances and promotes optimal structural integrity.
Benefits of Functional Movements
Engaging in functional movements and exercises offers numerous benefits beyond traditional gym workouts:
- Enhanced real-life performance: Functional movements mimic everyday activities such as carrying groceries or lifting objects off the ground. By improving your ability to perform these tasks efficiently, you enhance your overall quality of life.
- Increased core strength and stability: Functional movements inherently engage the core muscles, strengthening them as stabilizers for other movements. This leads to improved posture, balance, and overall stability.
- Improved flexibility and mobility: Functional movements require a greater range of motion compared to isolated exercises. Regularly performing these movements can enhance flexibility and mobility throughout your body.
- Reduced risk of injury: By promoting balanced muscle development and joint stability, functional movements help reduce the risk of common injuries caused by muscular imbalances or weak supporting structures.
- Time-efficient workouts: Functional exercises often engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, allowing you to achieve a full-body workout in less time compared to traditional gym routines that focus on isolated muscle groups.
Incorporating Functional Movements Into Your Fitness Routine
To unlock the power of your functional body, it is important to incorporate a variety of functional movements into your fitness routine. Here are some examples to get you started:
- Squats: This fundamental movement engages multiple muscle groups in the lower body while promoting core stability.
- Lunges: Lunges improve lower body strength while enhancing balance, stability, and contralateral movement.
- Throwing: Practicing throwing improves hand-eye coordination and strengthens the muscles involved in the throwing motion, a skill that has been essential for human survival and development throughout history.
- Pull Up: Pull ups are an effective way to build upper body strength, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms.
- Planks: Planks activate core muscles while improving overall stability and posture.
- Bear crawls: This full-body movement enhances coordination and engages both upper and lower body muscles.
- Medicine ball slams: By incorporating explosive movements, medicine ball slams build power, strength, and coordination.
Conclusion
Embracing the principles of the functional body can revolutionize your fitness journey by aligning your workouts with how your body naturally moves. By incorporating functional movements and exercises into your routine, you can enhance overall structural balance, improve functional strength, reduce the risk of injury, and experience a greater quality of life through enhanced performance in everyday activities. So step away from the machines, embrace your natural movement patterns, and unlock the full potential of your functional body!