The body is a link system; this link system is referred to
as the kinetic chain. Functional training is all about linkage – it is all
about how all the parts of the chain work together in harmony to produce smooth
efficient patterns of movement. Most conventional academic preparation in
Exercise and Movement Science focuses on studying individual muscles based on
classical anatomy. This is where the confusion begins as to what is functional
movement. First of all we must remember that we do not function in the
anatomical position. The anatomical position is static; it provides us with the
perspective of mental convenience to arrange of all the individual muscles for
ease of study and observation. In many respects learning about individual
muscles is easier than learning about movements because it is simpler. In order
to truly understand functional training we must get away from the focus on
muscles and focus instead on movements. It is important to emphasize that the
brain does not recognize individual muscles. It recognizes patterns of
movement, which consist of the individual muscles working in harmony to produce
movement the desired sport movement.
In over ground movement like running and jumping gravity is
a major player. In order to completely understand function we must understand
the role that gravity plays. The fact that we live, work and play in a
gravitationally enriched environment cannot be denied. Gravity has minimal
effect on the body in the anatomical position, but maximum effect on the body
in movement. It helps us to load the system. Therefore we must learn to
overcome its effects, cheat and even defeat it occasionally. Over reliance on
machines for training will give us a false sense of security because they
negate some of the effects of gravity. Gravity and its effect must be a prime
consideration when designing and implementing a functional training program to
prepare the body for the forces that it must overcome.
Always carefully look at he movement that you are trying to
enhance. What are the forces involved? What is the dominant plane of motion?
Movement occurs in all three planes of motion simultaneously: Sagittal,
frontal, and transverse. Therefore it is important to train movement in all
three planes. It is imperative to understand the movements and then design the
training program accordingly. How does that muscle fit in as a link in the
whole kinetic chain?