Greetings, Fitness Enthusiasts!
Today, I'm excited to talk about a subject that has been a central focus of my fitness journey for many years: functional movement. Despite its recent surge in popularity, functional movement is not new. In fact, I completed my training as a functional movement specialist back in 2019, and since then, it has fundamentally transformed how I understand and approach fitness.
Functional movement is about exercises that prepare our bodies for the activities we perform daily. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, it prioritizes functionality. The exercises engage multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously, helping to enhance balance, strength, endurance, and coordination.
What I love about functional movement is its applicability to everyday life. The exercises, whether they involve multi-directional lunges, squats, pushing, pulling, or rotating movements, simulate routine activities, thus preparing your body for life beyond the gym. It's a fitness approach that seamlessly integrates into your daily routine, reinforcing the concept of functional fitness.
So why is functional movement so important? Apart from making my daily tasks more efficient, functional movement training has significantly reduced my risk of injuries and helped to promote physical longevity. It's improved my body mechanics, resulting in better posture, stronger muscle memory, and overall enhanced strength. I've found it to be a practical way to keep our bodies balanced and maintain high levels of mobility and stability, which are critical for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
One fascinating discovery during my journey was the intersection of barre workouts and functional movement. Though barre exercises are commonly associated with ballet training, they are highly effective in enhancing functional strength, flexibility, and balance. The pliés, relevés, and other ballet/yoga/Pilates-inspired movements in a barre workout mirror the movements we perform daily, whether it's bending, reaching, or twisting. This combination of the grace of ballet and the practicality of functional movement results in a holistic, full-body workout.
I hope this post helps answer questions about why functional movement has been a critical component of my fitness philosophy for years. It's a game-changer! It's a key to developing a robust, agile, and injury-resistant body that's well-equipped for everyday life. If you've wondered why I emphasize functional movement so much in my approach, now you know!
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts you might have. Your curiosity and eagerness to learn are what drive our shared fitness journey, and I'm here to assist you every step of the way.
