At the Bodysmith we have always preached the value of establishing functional movement through our exercise program design. The core of this philosophy lies in these five principles:
- Movement must be basic before complex…stable before unstable.
- Pain should not be present while performing basic bodyweight movement patterns. If there is pain, the likelihood of further injury will be substantially increased, as well as injury at a secondary location due to compensation.
- A person experiencing multiple limitations within several basic movement patterns, even if they’re pain free, may compensate and experience general weaknesses leading 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 movements should always precede performance-related training.
Our beliefs and methodologies have been based around these principles for years. We have realized a need, however, for a screening system that determines if someone is able to safely enter our program and expect to achieve their desired objectives. Or to put it in a more specific and complex manner: a member’s foundational movement patterns need to be assessed before we can create a program designed to fit each individual’s needs.
So, as you may be aware, we have established a screening system that will generate a ‘baseline’ analysis for all our members. Using this baseline scoring criteria, we will be able to monitor and track progress to ensure that the right program is being implemented while helping to better manage and prevent injury to the musculoskeletal system. This form of screening and standardizing movement is essential for designing programs that will deliver timely, effective results while keeping members safer and healthier.
Recently, we have begun integrating this system into our Group Format program design and the results have been nothing short of amazing. One outcome, however, is that certain exercises for certain individuals have been ‘redlighted’ and are not performed. Remember, the reason for taking certain exercises out of a program all relate to the five principles above…the five principles that I believe help the Bodysmith team deliver the best fitness training service in Omaha.
Ultimately, if someone gets injured during training his or her outlook and thought processes about exercise can be compromised forever. That’s why we will always emphasize that exercise should be safe and enjoyable; it should be well thought out and serve a purpose; it should help you meet and exceed your goals; and it should help improve movement patterns and make daily activities more enjoyable. At the end of the day it’s all about the quality of the movement, not the quantity. Only by focusing on quality can we help our members achieve a lifetime of fitness.
– Coach Brad
