We have many options when it comes to achieving our fitness goals. We have our standard 24/7 gyms, CrossFit gyms, F45, circuit training, Pilates, Yoga-Pilates, so on and so forth. It can all be a bit confusing as to what too choose and why.
All these forms of training could be a great option for you, however, if you don’t have a fundamental basis of movement your likely to head down the road to injury.
To perform any type of activity we must have a foundation of neuromuscular strength. If the tasks at hand are greater then what our tissues and nervous system can handle we fatigue and reach a point of failure. This is where we run into injuries and repeated injuries. Let me give an example. Think of everything you do daily, this could include picking your young children up and down, doing groceries, the washing and other chores and then at the end of the day we go and play a game of soccer or football. If your movement health hasn’t been assessed, how do we know your foundation of strength is capable to withstand all that load you just put your body through?
Our movement patterns and base line of strength must be screened to assess whether we are “fit enough” to perform a certain task. This is no different to your yearly check up at your GP who assesses weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate etc. If we had poor blood pressure, we would then go for further testing and do what is needed or advised to correct that blood pressure. So why would we treat our neuromuscular system any different? I see many people who can’t move well or don’t have a foundation of strength and yet they jump right into a CrossFit or F45 gym and low and behold they come in injured because their movement capacity has been overloaded. This is because their movement and strength capacity has not been adequately assessed to determine if their body can withstand such a workout.
This is where a qualified experienced Strength and Conditioning movement specialist is necessary for individuals to help guide and build proper strength so that they can achieve their movement goals. Whether you are a novice athlete, elite athlete, anywhere in between or just looking to stay fit to play with your children it is important to have a proper individualized program in place. This will allow you to develop the strength and movement capacity you need to continue to do the activities you love to do.
