The benefits of functional movement

What is functional movement? Movement that your body uses to function in day-to-day life. Some examples are: turning your head to look behind or beside you, reaching for the top shelf, bending your knees to sit or stand. All of these movements you do in your everyday life. Possibly you're unaware of the movements that you do, and you only become aware when you are in pain or restricted so you can't do these things.

Modern life is less and less encouraging us to stay mobile and functional because modern technology replaces the need for functional movement. For example: you don't need to turn your head and trunk any more to see behind you when you reverse park because you have a reversing camera, so you don't get to do that twist every time you drive. Remote controls, dishwashers and robot vacuum cleaners take away much of the need for sitting, standing and bending, all things your body needs to do consistently for good health. Our bodies are made to move, modern life encourages inaction.

I'm sure you can think of other examples related to your life where you do far less physical movement than a decade ago. There's nothing wrong with this as we all like to stay seated while we watch the TV, or perhaps you can't physically turn your neck to look behind you when you're parking, however becoming aware of the toll non-movement takes on our body is a necessity for longevity and vitality.

If your body isn't consistently moving through all of it's ranges of motion, you will cease to be able to do them. That is why functional movement training is so important as we all want to be able to brush our own hair, put on our own shoes and get on and off the toilet without aid.

Pilates is an excellent form of practice to do as it keeps your spine supple, your trunk rotating, your hips open for squatting and your balance sharp for walking and standing. Functional movement doesn't have to be Pilates, but it is a gentle way for your body to go through every range of motion and build strength along the way.

Even if you find that you have lost function, either through inactivity or injury, you can always reverse this. With simple Pilates practices you have the agency to improve your function, mobility, balance and control. Being mindful of where you aren't moving in your life will help remind you to consciously get out there and start moving again. You can improve your function and life and you can start at any time. Your body will be waiting for you to give it some attention.