We take a movement-based approach to training our clients. Whether for sports or activities of daily living, we can help.
Why focus on movement?
Since the beginning of the modern era of physical training, programs have typically been organized around a body part approach. The body is divided into its major muscle groups (chest, back, legs, shoulders, etc.) and trained accordingly. This arrangement has been an easy, understandable way to segment programs—and has brought good results, especially when applied in a bodybuilding program. But does this organizational strategy come at a cost? The human body works to produce movement—period.
To this end, the body makes every attempt to use muscles in conjunction with one another to create action efficiently and effectively. Life demands that the body move freely through space, not within the confines of a machine or some restrictive motor pattern.
Most traditional strengthening programs heavily favor front body movements in a training environment that promotes one-dimensional motor patterns. These factors can undermine the body’s ability to move effectively in any given direction-and in many cases-may lead to joint dysfunction. Muscle-based programs may unwittingly contribute to muscle imbalances, poorly developed firing patterns and general movement deficiency in the untrained planes. Imagine for a moment that the body had no individual muscles—no simple groups to target. What if all you had to work with were the various joints and the movements they were capable of performing?
Letting go of the traditional muscle-based approach to strength training and understanding the body’s movement are the first steps to integrating this training approach. Give us a call to schedule a complementary personal training consultation.
