Movement quality is the most overlooked piece of general fitness. We know that as a nation we need to be healthier and that moving more is part of that equation. But we also need to do it well because how you move matters! Here’s why you should start focusing on movement quality today.
Low Quality Vs. High Quality Movement
Bending Over Through The Back
Consider bending over to pick something up. Your body has a couple of options. You can move through your back or through your hips. Moving through the back is low quality movement and it happens to be what most people do. You can see this in the picture to the right – notice how round the spine is. This is one of the reasons that 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives.1
Bending Through Hips
Moving through the hips, which is the high quality alternative, keeps the spine straight. That simple change can significantly reduce the incidence of back pain and injury! Each joint in the body is subject to the same rules. There are different ways to complete any given task, but low quality movement leads to problems while high quality movement maintains health.
Good Movement Keeps The Doctor Away
Many injuries are the result of low quality movement, and injuries derial fitness programs by preventing you from performing at your top, or by keeping you from exercising altogether. They can also land you in the operating room. Five of the top seven most frequently performed operations are related to joints.2 And it isn’t necessarily age-related. Over half of orthopedic surgeries are for individuals between the ages of 25 and 64, with the lion’s share falling between the ages of 45 and 64.3
But don’t interpret this as doom and gloom because it can be avoided by moving well! High quality movement protects joints, and that lowers your risk of needing to fix or replace them, which keeps you more active for a longer time. It really is that simple.
Good Movement Means More Strength
Strength requires good alignment, and good alignment requires good movement. To help illustrate imagine that you are trying to push someone away from you. It is much easier to do that with both feet planted firmly than standing on your toes. The same principle applies to joints as they move. When they reach their optimum position they are at their strongest and most stable and that means you will be performing at your best.
Conclusion
Good movement is the foundation for fitness and strength. If you wonder how well you are moving, seek out an evaluation with a physical therapist or a competent personal trainer or strength coach. The results can literally be life changing.
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