Functional Movements

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Hinge movements strengthen the parts of the body that are used commonly for reaching down to grab an item or lifting something from the floor. Strengthening these muscles can help improve posture. 

You squat consistently throughout your day. When you sit and stand, bend at the knees to lift something, or get low to talk to a person or pet, you are doing a squat.  Squats are essential for strength and flexibility.  

Lunges improve strength, flexibility, and stability. They work multiple muscles across the hips, knees, ankle, and core at the same time, and combine elements of the hinge and the squat, (and locomotion if walking lunges). 

Pushing is another move that you perform many times a day, like when you lift something above your head or push your chair away from your desk or table. Pushing uses key muscle groups across your upper body. 

Pulling is the complimentary movement, to pushing. Performing pulling and pushing is important to keep your upper body in balance. Think of opening a door or lifting a suitcase. 

Rotation is important for flexibility and core stability. Think of twisting to grab an item off the counter, or turning to sneeze. Twisting requires core strength and muscle coordination.  

Just as it sounds, this is the counter movement to rotation. The ability to rotate and to resist rotation is essential to core strength and stability.