top of page
Couple in Gym
overlay-black.png
bottom cut.png

What Is the Goal of Movement?

Updated: Dec 29, 2020

Movement is behavior.


Behaviors occur for many reasons but they all serve to produce a specific outcome. Some worthwhile, some not so much.


So, movement occurs to achieve a specific outcome. What that outcome is is determined by the individual client. The path to get there is determined by the coach. We use movement as a path to reach that destination.


We have to strategies to move: compression and expansion. Compressive strategies are really good at moving a lot of weight and moving at high velocities. Compressive strategies are also really good at limiting motion. Which is also why they help us run fast and squat a lot of weight. The last thing you want to do squatting 500lbs is to start to turn. Expansion strategies are not so good at helping us move a lot of weight, but are really good at allowing motion to occur. Learn to expand the back side of your rib cage in between your shoulder blades and boom you've just increased non compensatory motion at the shoulder and neck.


What does all this mean?


It means you pick your two strategies based on the outcome you want. Training a Powerlifter or Olympic lifter? You want compressive strategies all day. Training someone that just wants to get lean and live a healthier life? Compressive strategies sometimes but much more expansion-based strategies so they can move well and feel good.


There is a continuum. Push compressive strategies too much and you might end up with some joints that don't feel very good. In that instance, expansion strategies you must. Push expansion-based strategies too much and you might not be driving enough adaptation to produce specific results you want.


What do you want? What does your client want? There is always a give and take. You simply can't be the strongest individual and move really well.


18 views0 comments
bottom of page