Recently, at Arena Fitness Training Centers, we integrated the Functional Movement Systems’ philosophies into our program design. Our beliefs and methodologies have been based around these training systems for quite some time, but we had no baseline screening system for classifying whether or not someone would be able to safely enter our program and get the results they are looking for. Integrating this system into our large group format program design has been nothing short of amazing. Our team at Arena Fitness Training Centers really believes that this form of screening and standardizing movement is essential for safe, timely, and effective results.
In order to better understand the premise of from where these beliefs stem, let’s take a look at some of the rules that Functional Movement are based around.
- Pain should not be present while performing basic bodyweight movement patterns. If there is pain associated with these basic movement patterns, movement patterns will be compromised and substantially increase the likelihood for developing further injury to the site of pain. Also, this could lead to a secondary injury from the body compensating to avoid the pain or restricted movement.
- Having multiple limitations within several basic movement patterns, even if they’re pain free, can create compensations and general weaknesses that may lead to a greater likelihood of injury.
- Basic unilateral movement patterns should be symmetrical on both right and left sides of the body.
- Fundamental and basic movement patterning should precede performance related activities.
- Basic before complex, stable before unstable
Foundational movement patterns need to be assessed before we can create a program designed to fit each individuals needs. Our goal at Arena Fitness Training Centers is to provide the best personal training services in Encino and Northridge locations. Using the Functional Movement Systems Screening, we are able to establish a solid baseline screening system to better help manage and prevent injury to the musculoskeletal system. Also, by establishing a baseline scoring criteria, we will be able to monitor and track progress to ensure that the right program is being implemented.
All of this screening, assessing, and implementing the right mix of corrective exercises into the programs are going to help keep our clientele safer and healthier for long periods of time. We realize that injuries are going to happen. However, it’s our job to reduce the likelihood of injury. After all, if someone gets injured during training, their outlook and thought processes about exercise can be compromised for the rest of their lives. Exercise should be enjoyable. Exercise should be well thought out and serve a purpose. Exercise should help you meet and exceed your goals. Exercise should help improve movement patterns and make daily activities more enjoyable.
This training philosophy is at the foundation of our personal training and group training program design at Arena Fitness Training Centers. We will have multiple questions about exercises being “red lighted.” The reason for taking certain exercises out of your program all stem back to these five rules. It’s our job to get results and keep you injury free. It’s all about the quality of the movement, not the quantity.
