June 25, 2015
Functional Movement 411 With Jason Dubois

With so many different fitness fads, many of my clients get confused as to what is the proper way to get in shape, stay lean and be healthy. But before any goal can be attained, it is my duty as their trainer to make sure they are physically ready to start! Functional movements are an important aspect when it comes to training. What are functional movements? They are certain movements that place demands on the body's muscular system which ultimately trains different muscle groups to work together and prepare for everyday activities and high impact movements. When I first meet with my clients, I assess them to see if they have any asymmetries or imbalances. Dysfunctional movement indicates an increased risk of injury. Its important to identify those patterns and correct them so injury will not occur.
Here are three main benefits of functional movements:
1. Strengthening core stability 2. Reducing the risk of injury 3. Increasing flexibility My favorite functional movement has to be the deadlift. Here there's a hinge at the hips with bent knees and were simply grabbing the bar (or an object) off the ground and standing up with it. Something most of us do everyday. This exercise activates the entire posterior chain, which, includes the hamstrings, glutes, lower back and also our spinal erectors. Very functional and very effective to build lean muscle.Try implementing these three movements in your next leg day workout:
Suitcase Kettlebell Deadlift: 8 to 10 reps with a 60 second rest, 3 Sets Dumbbell Clean an& Press: 8 to 10 reps with a 60 second rest, 3 Sets Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts: 8 to 10 reps with a 60 second rest, 3 Sets Because I am always going from client to clients it is important to have my meals ready for the week. With my Expert Expedition Backpack 300 I am able to keep my meals cool and fresh and bring them on the road with me. It also has enough pockets where I can bring my RSP favorites; my bottle of ReGen Lemon Lime for recovery, Fast Fuel Fruit Punch to get me pumped for my workouts and my CLA.
