Functional Movement Training
The Key to Aging Gracefully is to Stay Flexible
What is Functional Movement?
Real-World Scenarios
Functional movements are based on real-world scenarios. For example, sitting down, standing up, putting heavy boxes on high shelves, or having the ability to carry a toddler in one arm and your bags in the other.
Build Strength Holistically
During functional movement training, you build strength holistically. Your body learns to function as a whole, strengthening multiple muscle groups at one time. In turn, this increases coordination and neuromuscular control.
Improve Your Well-Being
Functional movement training is vital to overall well-being. Not only does it keep you physically active, allowing you to reap many health benefits, it also goes hand-in-hand with goals centered around improving mental health.
Types of Movements
Pull
Push
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotation & Gait
A Holistic Perspective
Functional Movement Has A Different Focus
Functional movement focuses on moving with ease and with purpose compared to other types of programs.
For example, consider the goals of a bodybuilder or a sports athlete.
Body Building
Bodybuilders do not train for movements typically performed in day-to-day encounters. Rather, they focus on increasing the strength and size of single muscle groups. While this helps them win competitions, from a holistic perspective, this ultimately limits their range of motion, can lead to muscular imbalances, and restricts muscle tissues (by shortening and tightening them and by not paying attention to the adequate development of their stabilizer muscles).
Sports Training
Athletic training, on the other hand, while it may be fun at times and helpful with warding off disease, these movements are harder on the body, leaving you more prone to injury. Moreover, the high intensity movements may further injure already injured body parts. For instance, if you have a bad knee, ankle, wrist, back, elbow, etc., the force of some of these training programs might not feel very comfortable (or be very beneficial long term). Conversely, the premise of functional training is to reduce one’s chance of injury.
Functional Movement is Important to Your Mental Health
There are many reasons why functional movement and physical activity are important to one’s overall health. One reason is simply that as we go through life, it is more enjoyable if we move with as little pain as possible.
Functional movement training also helps us to feel good in our bodies. It allows us to have energy to play with children, grandchildren, and our pets; to walk up and down a flight of stairs without feeling winded; and even helps to improve symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
My Approach
As a certified personal trainer and health coach, my scope of practice allows us to work together to help you achieve a sense of well-being not just mentally, but physically as well.
We are taking mental health to new extremes.
Getting Started
Actively Attend Therapy Sessions
These services are only offered to clients who have entered a therapeutic relationship with the counselor.
Book Appointment
During the course of your mental health treatment, you may inquire about functional movement services & schedule an appointment.
Attend Session & Learn
Learn about your body and what kind of movements will improve your physical health. Perform these exercises between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is functional movement training most appropriate for?
Functional movement can be beneficial and appropriate for most people. It increases muscle strength and stability and improves endurance. The type and quality of benefits you receive are directly related to the types of programs prescribed.
It is important to consult your general practitioner before committing to any physical activity program.
Can anyone participate in functional movement training?
As a health professional, I prefer to work with clients as holistically as possible, helping them achieve a more balanced sense of well-being. That said, my functional movement services are offered as an adjunct to individuals who are currently attending weekly, biweekly, or monthly counseling sessions.
What can I expect from our initial consultation?
Prior to making a commitment to functional movement training, you and I will discuss (among other things) your goals, potential health concerns, and any contraindications you may have. This meeting helps us determine if functional movement training with me is most appropriate for you at this time or if you might benefit more from another type of program.
How much do functional movement services cost?
For the most accurate and up to date information, please contact me directly. These services tend to be shorter in duration than regular counseling sessions.
Learn More
For more information, ask a question or express interest below.
For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital
