Keep it Functional –  by Richard-Dean Sumares

It seems to be a very misunderstood fact that the body actually utilizes a series of connective tissues to perform everyday physical duties. Again I note the words, series and connective. The body isn’t designed to perform isolated exercise. Isolation of particular muscle groups is a fantastic way to increase hypertrophy (muscular growth) and strength in a particular region. The faults show however in isolated training systems where an uneven break up of load over a prolonged period of time can lead to imbalances within the network, resulting in injury.

Simply put, the body is designed to complete tasks using multiple joint movements and work across movement plans. For example, a leg extension, isolating the Quadriceps and knee joint to perform a bend to straighten action is not a movement that the body conducts on a day to day basis, it isolates the muscle in a way that is irregular and foreign to typical movement patterns, not to mention the added pressure of the load on the knee joint itself once the leg has been extended fully and God forbid, knee locked out.

The advantages of multi-planar movements are quite simple and straight forward especially when performed in a controlled and supervised environment.

Performing exercises designed and based upon progressions of basic human movement patterns. (Squat, Deadlift, push, pull, rotate, lunge) can significantly improve performance in day to day tasks and chores. Think about the last time you saw a machine based exercise that could assist someone to better climb in and out of their car, peculiar example, or extremely relevant?

Multi-planar movements simple and straight forward allow the body to utilize the connective systems that have been put in place for better functionality. Will it help you to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger? No. But how often do you see a fully functionally body builder that can run, jump, twist, dodge, skip, throw or tackle comfortably or at all.

Surely it should be desired to not only get into great shape and look good but to also be able to perform tasks at a higher more effective level.

Statistically full body multi-planar systems when used effectively can:

• Burn up to 10% more fat than isolated systems, even more so when utilizing HIIT (High intensity interval training)
• Boost testosterone and growth hormone levels while training.  (This is effective, since the body’s main hormone for hypertrophy is testosterone. Both testosterone and Somatotropic growth hormone are major contributors to the fat loss process)
• Less opportunity for imbalances to occur as multiple muscles are being utilized to move specific loads evenly
• Less opportunity for joint damage due to overloading
• Increased Core stability
• Improve cardiovascular responses during weights sessions, less requirement to split weights and cardio sessions.
• Perform everyday tasks at a higher level than before.
• It really is genuinely fun.  It’s easier to maintain concentration through a session when it is enjoyable and stimulating throughout.