This month our focus in on awareness of functional movement. Do you know what the seven functional movement patterns are? If so, can you perform them optimally? If not, are you working towards that goal?
Functional movement is talked about in many walks of life these days including elite athletes, yoga, pilates, cross fit and natural health practitioners. Functional movement is one thing many different contemporary training methodologies have in common, because they understand the importance of these basic movement patterns if you want to stay happy and healthy and have a better quality of life.
Thats really what Health Space is all about. Helping you and your family to make better health choices and experience a greater quality of life, not just now but into the future. Not just you but all your family and friends too!
If you haven’t had your functional movement patterns assessed please ask us as many of the Health Space practitioners are trained in these nuances of functional movement.
At the end of the day as we get older we understand from research that one of the most important factors of quality of life is mobility. If you are over 80 then mobility ideally needs to be independent for a higher quality of life. We also know from 40 years onwards there is a natural decline in muscle mass and therefore strength and increase in tightness of joints causing stiffness. However I’m sure you can think of plenty of people who continue to inspire by climbing huge mountains, working and doing yoga healthily well past their 80s and for some in to their 90’s and 100’s. They defy these natural deterioration patterns by staying active functionally.
The seven basic functional movement patterns are:
Push
Pull
Walk
Squat
Lunge
Rotate
Hinge
Many people walk but it’s only one of the seven functional movement pattern’s. I know clients and friends who can easily walk 5-8km per day but the don’t have the ability to put on their shoes with ease or perform simple activities of daily living.
The next step beyond being functional is to be able to do these movements not just with ease but move while breathing in a diaphragmatic manner. Breathing is essential for movement and also an integral part of calming the mind. Both of which are important factors in quality of life.
How do you want to age? A small amount of work now could have a huge impact on your future and the future of those who rely on you. Find things that are fun and people to exercise with to create variety and add the social aspect.
Stay active. Stay mobile. Live a great life. Simple!
Have a great month.
