MOVEMENT PATTERNING.
Ya’ll, we are almost to the meat and potatoes!!!!
Congratulations for making it this far! IF you have missed any of the series, you can find them all HERE.
Today, we will be tackling movement patterns.
Movement patterns fall just after corrective exercise and for good reason: if our movement patterns are off, not only is it difficult to reach our goals, but we can also start storing up inflammation due to improper muscle usage during daily movements and workouts.
What is Movement Patterning?
Movement patterns refers to the most optimal way for YOUR body move.
In the strength training world, we use movement patterning to get you a stronger body overall. We pattern push ups, pull ups, squats, deadlifts, bench presses, etc. And it’s these very movements that make up the FOUNDATION of a strength training program.
How can I use it?
Think back to our discussion on GOALS and the specific goal you are working towards right now.
I’ll start by using the push up.
The Push Up is a phenomenal functional training exercise in that it translates to all of life; meaning, as long as you can push yourself up off the floor, you’re truly in pretty good functional shape.
For some, the push up can be daunting and maybe they even feel they will never get it. Pushing your body weight can be difficult, particularly if you don’t do it that often.
THAT’S THE POINT OF PATTERNING.
You see, if we set a goal to be able to do push-ups OR maybe add more push-ups to our workouts, yet we NEVER do push-ups, the likelihood of reaching that goal is nil.
So, we break the goal down into feasible chunks that are easy to digest.
PATTERN BREAKDOWNS.
The science behind pattern breakdowns is the same as the science behind reverse engineering: you look at your problem and you back your way out of it essentially.
The Push Up Breakdown.
You can break down the push up very easily by starting with push-ups on the wall (or wall presses). You progress from there to a sturdy table or countertop. From there, you can progress to a lower step, followed by modified push up variations, followed by good old push-ups.
See, you made it.
That wasn’t too bad right?
How about the SQUAT?
The squat is also a highly functional exercise in that it is quite literally your ability to sit and stand.
Now, most clients who cannot properly squat will start with Physio Ball Wall Squats or unweighted Box Squats.
BUT, what if those aren’t feasible due to injury or mobility limitations?
A Sit to Stand drill works well too.
I have a few clients who aren’t sitting and standing on their own just yet, so we focus on weight shifting drills to strengthen the stabilizing muscles surrounding the joints.
Why is patterning important for my strength training program?
Whether you’re looking to improve overall strength OR build one of your big lifts, Movement Patterning is a key component to your programming.
Stay tuned THIS FRIDAY for a FREE WORKOUT that will detail movement patterning for the DEADLIFT 
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