What is Functional Movement?

Anytime someone asks me 'what's the key to being a stronger runner?' my immediate answer is functional movement.

Hands down, zero hesitation.

That's a bold statement considering there are so many other things that you could be doing to improve and get stronger.

Intervals, heart rate training, anaerobic workouts, hill repeats, LSD (long slow distance)...the list goes on.

But I'm standing firm in my answer, because none of that other sh*t will matter if you can't move well.

Point. Period. End of discussion.

Think about it.

If your lower body is on lockdown, how do you expect to get a decent stride?

If your shoulders are super tight, how do you expect to swing your arms freely and drive yourself forward?

If your spine doesn't know how to articulate properly, how do you expect to train your core to handle the load it will endure during your LSD workouts?

Good question - right?

In this video I’m going to cover just what is functional movement, my experience with it, and why I believe that if you’re a runner, you’re silly to run ONE MORE STEP without it!

So ok...

What is Functional Movement?
There are a variety of definitions for functional movement out there but here’s my simple definition = movement with a purpose. And that purpose is defined by you!!!

What is it that you want to do with your body? (run, ride, swim, hike, climb…)
For me: functional movement means helping me move better so that I can run farther faster stronger.

FM is movement that explores your individual range of motion from head to toe and in my world that means that it's a combination of traditional strength training, yoga, and functional range conditioning.

Why is Functional Movement important?
First & foremost because it keeps your body moving well in 360 degrees. Second - it helps to keep the joints well lubricated and build strength & stability in and around them. And last, it helps to keep the muscles at the right length-tension relationship.

When should I start an FM practice?
NOW (second only to yesterday)!
It’s never too late to start! You’re also never too old or too tight or too inexperienced

WANT TO RUN FARTHER, FASTER & STRONGER THIS YEAR?

Then you'll need a proper warm up that gets you primed and helps you to make the most out of every step.

⬇️STEAL MY DYNAMIC WARM UP HERE⬇️

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[MeghanGould]

Hey Guys! I hope this helps to answer the question of "What is functional movement" for you. Keep in mind that everyone will come at this from a different perspective based on their experiences. Do what works for you! I'd be interested to know - WHAT WORKS FOR YOU?? Let me know in the comments below!