Do you ever struggle to lift heavy objects? To get up and down from the floor? To climb stairs with ease? These are everyday movements that are essential for living an independent life for a long time. Did you know that functional movements can help with these and other every day movements. In its very definition, CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. Last week, I shared about constant variation. This week, I want to talk about the importance of functional movements in general physical preparedness.
In the realm of fitness, there’s a clear divide between exercises that merely sculpt muscles and those that actually empower people to conquer the challenges of everyday life. CrossFit firmly plants its flag on the latter side of the spectrum by championing functional movements as a cornerstone of its methodology.
But what exactly are functional movements, and why are they so integral to the CrossFit experience? Imagine for a moment the myriad tasks you perform on any given day: lifting groceries, squatting to pick up a child, pushing a heavy door open, or pulling yourself up onto a ledge. These actions aren’t just isolated movements; they’re real-life scenarios that demand strength, agility, and coordination.
Unlike traditional gym workouts that often focus on isolating specific muscles or muscle groups, CrossFit takes a more holistic approach. It recognizes that the human body functions as a cohesive unit, with each muscle and joint working in tandem to accomplish complex tasks. Because of this, CrossFit emphasizes functional movements—actions that mimic the natural patterns of human motion and translate directly to everyday activities.
At the heart of CrossFit’s functional fitness philosophy are four fundamental movements: squatting, lifting, pushing, and pulling. These movements form the building blocks of human movement, serving as the blueprint for a strong, capable body.
Squatting: Whether you’re lowering yourself into a chair or picking up a heavy object from the ground, the squat is a fundamental movement pattern that we use countless times each day. By mastering proper squat mechanics—hinging at the hips, bending the knees, and maintaining a stable core—CrossFitters not only build lower body strength but also improve mobility and flexibility.
Lifting: From hoisting a suitcase into an overhead bin to carrying groceries up a flight of stairs, lifting is an essential skill in navigating the demands of daily life. CrossFit trains individuals to lift with proper form, emphasizing techniques such as the deadlift and clean to develop full-body strength and power.
Pushing: Whether it’s pushing a stroller, shoving a heavy object across the floor, or simply getting up off the ground, pushing movements are ubiquitous in our daily routines. CrossFit incorporates exercises like the push-up, shoulder press, and bench press to build upper body strength and stability.
Pulling: From pulling open a stubborn door to hauling yourself up onto a ledge, pulling movements play a vital role in our ability to navigate our environment. CrossFit trains pulling strength through exercises like the pull-up, row, and kettlebell swing, developing a strong back, shoulders, and grip.
By focusing on functional movements, CrossFit transcends the confines of the gym. It prepares individuals for the physical challenges they will encounter in the real world. It’s not just about looking good in a mirror or lifting impressive amounts of weight—it’s about building a body that’s capable, resilient, and ready for anything life throws its way. So the next time you step into CrossFit Dwell, remember: you’re not just training for the gym; you’re training for life.
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See you at the gym!