The Basics Of Functional Movement

This will be the first in a ocassional series contribtion exclusively for TrackMom.com from Jose Nartea Jr. He has helped many youth and adult athletes maximize their performance through enhanced quality of functional movement for increased athletic performance. Enjoy !

Functional Human Movement Principles

By: Jose A. Nartea (Jr.), ATC, CSCS, RKC

Think for a moment, how many athletes are there are in the entire world? I will answer this question a little later.

Humans have all the same physical functions. We are all created the same. Generally speaking. Some of us may need more attention than others and some of us may need a swift kick in the butt three times a week if not more. Overall, the basic foundations of Functional Human Movement for Elites as well Youth Athletes are the same. Why are these fundamentals so important to athletes?

The Jamaican ‘Lightning Bolt’ just ran a 9.69 covering 100 meters in Beijing and didn’t even break a sweat! That was insane, of course! BUT, if the ‘Bolt’ were to break that record running backwards, I would really be in AWE! Follow me now?

We as a ‘Human’ species, have six basic principles of “Human Movement”. Take notes if you need to. Make copies of this for your enjoyment. Read it time and time again. It will never change.

1. Dead lift
2. Squat
3. Lunge
4. Push
5. Pull
6. Rotate

Every movement on this list requires our nervous and musculoskeletal systems to work in concert together to produce efficient multi-joint movement and/or force. You will notice that none of these actions on the list require just one joint for successful operation.

As humans, we will also find running, throwing, jumping and striking the same due to our unique genetic structures (two legs, two arms and a core). The act of forcefully producing ground-based force and stability throughout the core during exercise has long been studied and, unfortunately, over-studied through the years.

Many athletes were and still are influenced by in my humble opinion “Western Bodybuilding” mythology when it comes to increasing athletic potential and injury resilience. Once coaches, parents and the athlete themselves start to fully embrace the concept of ‘FUNCTION over STRUCTURE’, they will realize a whole new world of movement that they have never experienced before, perhaps culminating into a championship or win of some sort. Most important, decreased injury and greater performance potential. Not only do these principles pertain to one’s sport or activity, it pertains to one’s LIFE and greatest achievements.

Going back to the question on how many athletes in the world, if you weren’t thinking the same number as our world population, (yes everyone is a potential athlete) you definitely need a swift kick in the butt! That can be arranged.

Stay tuned for more articles on just how your youth athletes can improve his athletic function thus performance .In the mean time feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have.

Biography:

Jose A. Nartea Jr., also known as Junior, is an NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Russian Kettle bell Challenge Certified Kettle bell Instructor. He is the owner of Neural Demand Systems (NDS Athletics) Athletic Performance Facility and provides instruction in the NDS System and Russian Kettle bell Training techniques to improve the lives and performance of athletes and physically active individuals in Lakewood, CA and the surrounding areas. Junior provides Private, Small Group and Team Instruction. He encourages males, females, youth and adults at all fitness levels to come for a Complimentary Class by appointment only. He is also available for large group seminars and workshops.

If you would like to contact me, please refer to the contact information below.

Jose A. Nartea (Jr.), ATC, CSCS, RKC