One of the topics that I’m constantly harping on at IFAST is that of movement quality. It’s a key component of everything we do, and a topic that I don’t hear discussed all that often within the fitness industry as a whole.
It’s not how far you can move – it’s moving through the appropriate joint(s), or through your current range of motion.
It’s now how much weight you can heave up with sloppy form. Instead, it’s about focusing on technique while simultaneously driving your weights up over time.
And it’s not just mindlessly blowing through workouts in an effort to burn body fat or lose weight.
Sure, I want every client to achieve their goals – it could be losing weight/fat, getting bigger and stronger, or simply becoming a beast in their respective sport.
But at the same time, I want to constantly improve and refine their movement. For many, we have to re-lay their movement foundation prior to introducing more intensive methods of training.
Bill and I had a great discussion the other day about what people want to do, and what they’re prepared to do. As practitioners, it’s our job to not only help people achieve their goals, but to help them understand when they’re truly prepared to train at a high level.
For example, we’ll often get new clients whose goal is to run for long distances. However, with an unstable core/pelvis, poor hip function, stiff ankles, or a host of other factors, they are an injury waiting to happen.
The fact of the matter is they aren’t prepared to run effectively. It’s our job to not only educate them to that fact, but to give them the tools necessary to achieve their goals over time.
It’s our job to not only teach them what they are/are not prepared for, but to develop the foundation for better movement going forward. And this is where the concept of movement quality rings true.
If you’re reading this blog, I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir. Just remember that our goal isn’t solely to help our clients lose weight, get stronger, get bigger, etc.
Our goal is also to develop a movement foundation that will improve their function and movement for a lifetime.
Stay strong
MR