Re-Thinking Functional Training

Talking theory is great and citing research is very important, but in the end, I think nothing tells more about what a person actually believes in than the programs he or she creates. After looking at program after program and workout after workout there is something that really astounds me. The fact we aren’t as movement oriented as we believe! The truth is that we misunderstand functional training quite a bit!!

What do I mean? Many coaches like to brag that their programs are functional training because they squat, they deadlift, they press, and they pull-up. Heck, some even throw in a bit of running, crawling, and handstands. But that still keeps us from really understanding many important aspects of functional training.

We are definitely better as an industry than we use to be. Instead of seeing purely muscles in isolation, we now recognize more integrated movement patterns that show how we actually create movement. This isn’t a difference in semantics, but takes into the account the powerful role of the nervous system. The intermuscular coordination (how muscles work together to create a movement) that improves with more functional training based programs is what professionals believe creates better development in all around fitness. Yet, we are still missing a great deal of what actually is meant by functionally based training and advancing these strategies.

This type of DVRT hip bridge represents functional training more than the traditional version because how we are looking to connect the natural chains of the body!

While the K.I.S.S. method (keep it simple stupid) is a good theory for introductory strength training, adhering to this method exclusively leads to what Scott Sonnon calls the S.I.S.S. method (stuck in stupid simplicity). How does this apply to our world of functionally based training? Most coaches see movement patterns in the following manner:

• Squat
• Lunge
• Hip Hinge
• Vertical Push
• Vertical Pull
• Horizontal Push
• Horizontal Pull
• Rotation
• Trunk Flexion
• Trunk Anti-Flexion/Extension
• Trunk Anti-Rotation

Outwardly, this would seem like a very solid look at strength training movements. That is the problem. We look at movements often as what is done in the weight room and not the demands needed outside of the weight room. While the above is good, it can be much better.

The body really is a complex system made up of many chains. These chains, when they are working well, help us move better, produce more force, and create more speed. However, when there is a weak link in the chain we often don’t address the chains, but rather the muscles and a very general movement pattern.

Let’s talk in more specifics. In phyisotherapist Diane Lee’s book, The Pelvic Girdle,she discusses four important sling system of the pelvic region. A “hole” in any of these systems creates dysfunction and, we can assume, poor performance.

1. Anterior Oblique System: External and internal oblique with the opposing leg’s adductors and intervening anterior abdominal fascia.
2. Posterior Oblique System: The lat and opposing glute maximus.
3. Deep Longitudinal System: Erectors, the innervating fascia and biceps femoris.
4. Lateral System: Glute medius and minimus and the opposing adductors of the thigh

I think it is safe to assume that we really don’t think about these sling systems when most are developing exercises and programs. We think in very broad terms such as the “posterior chain,” but never the specifics of human movement. Again, I am not covering this material because really we are just having a conversation about semantics. Rather, understanding these systems will help us create better exercises and programs. So, let’s look at a few practical examples.

Watch this video and read the explanations below to understand the “sling systems” of the body, what’s potentially missing from your programming, and exercises you can incorporate to address this:

Anterior Oblique System

Basically this system tells us that the obliques help provide stability and mobility in gait. They are both important in providing that initial stability during the stance phase of gait and then contribute to pulling the leg through during the swing phase. This system is important in helping the body create more stability as speed increases in activities such as sprinting, but also as important as the body tries to decelerate during change of direction.

Examples of Exercises to Enhance the Anterior Oblique System:

• Staggered Kettlebell One-Arm Swings
• Rear Leg Loaded Sandbag Shoulder Forward Lunge
• Split Stance Around the Worlds

Posterior Oblique System

This system is also seen most commonly in gait. Where the glute max of one hip works with the lat of the opposing side to create tension in the thoracolumbar fascia. The action of these muscles along with the fascial system is thought to both fight the rotation of the pelvis that would occur during gait as well as store energy to create more efficient movement.

Example of Exercises to Enhance the Posterior Oblique System:

-Drop Step Bent-Over Row with Load In Opposing Hand
-Cable Rows from Split Position
-Half Kneeling Press with Load in Opposing Hand

Deep Longitudinal System

The DLS uses both the thoracolumbar fascia and paraspinal system to create kinetic energy above the pelvis, while the biceps femoris acts as a relay between the pelvis and leg. What is also important to note is the relationship between the biceps femoris and anterior tibialis. This relationship is both to create stability and help build as well as release kinetic energy to help more efficient movement.

Examples of Exercises to Enhance the Deep Longitudinal System:

• Deceleration Step Deadlift
• Walking Lunge with Balance Step
• Walking Sled Pulls

Lateral System