What is a functional movement pattern?

A functional movement pattern refers to movements that mimic everyday tasks and engage multiple muscle groups and joints in a coordinated manner. These movements are essential because they enhance the ability to perform daily activities more efficiently and safely, promoting overall physical health and functional strength.

Functional movement patterns often involve dynamic exercises that replicate common actions such as bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and squatting. This not only helps in improving athletic performance but also reduces the risk of injury by training the body to move as a cohesive unit.

The choices that describe high-impact exercises with specialized equipment, simple stretching exercises, or isolated movements targeting a single muscle do not capture the essence of functional movements. Such approaches may focus on specific fitness goals or flexibility, rather than the comprehensive, whole-body engagement typical of functional movements that prioritize real-world application and overall movement efficiency.