The Resurgence of “Functional Movement”: Debunking the Myth

The Return of Functional Movement

Functional Movement was a buzzword that took the fitness world by storm a few years back, labeling some exercises as functional while dismissing others. And now, this trend seems to be resurging on Instagram.

What is Functional Movement?

The concept suggested that exercises like those using Swiss balls were inherently more “functional” than others. But here’s where the theory falters:

The Myth of Functional Exercises

• Misleading Terminology: There’s no such thing as an inherently “functional” exercise. Instead, we should consider performance enhancement in the context of specific sports or activities.

Context is Key

• Athlete Specificity: An exercise’s value is context-dependent. For example:
  • Bicep curls might not be crucial for a football player but could be vital for a discus thrower.

Every Exercise Has Its Place

• Purpose-Driven Training: The effectiveness of an exercise depends on the athlete’s goals and sport. Here’s why:
  • Different Skills for Different Thrills: Each sport requires different physical capabilities. Thus, what’s functional for one might not be for another.

Strategic Fitness for Athletes

• Tailored Exercise Selection:
  • As an athlete or coach, your task is to choose exercises based on the sport’s demands, not on trends like those seen on Instagram.

Conclusion: Beyond the Instagram Hype

• Stay Informed: Understand the true needs of your sport or activity.
• Choose Wisely: Select exercises that align with your performance goals, not just what’s trending.
• Consider Unplugging: Sometimes, the best approach might just be to step away from social media and focus on real training results.