Every year, several of the leading dictionaries select their own version of the “Word of the Year” based on several factors including the number of times it was referenced or searched, and the increase in those values from the year before. This year Merriam-Webster went with a traditional/boring selection in “culture”, and Oxford chose the verb “vape” (to puff on or inhale vapor from an e-cigarette) because, according to an Oxford rep in USA Today, “you are 30 times more likely to come across the word vape than you were 2 years ago.”
At Advantage Strength, we have selected “movement” as our 2014 Word of the Year. Last year’s word “mindset” is still a heavy hitter in determining the way we coach, but this year a focus on movement has taken the spotlight. From the beginning, we have subscribed to the “train movements, not muscles” approach. Right around April of this year, it occurred to me there are a lot of kids and adults (myself included) who are not moving well enough to “train” those movements. Often these issues are mobility/flexibility based, some are strength deficiencies, and some are simply due to a lack of coordination. Our functional workouts will correct some of these movement deficiencies, but there was still something missing. I felt like if we could do more to improve movement, then we could build a stronger base and set the stage for more effective performance training in the future (see my article I Was Humbled by the Monkey Bars Today ).
With our focus set on creating high quality, authentic movement, we began our Foundational Strength program for youth athletes, and started our new Primal Strength class to teach, practice, and improve human movement skills. These movement skills serve as a foundation for good training, and we know if we want to improve performance, we have to improve movement skills first. By focusing on quality movement skills, we give ourselves a better chance to keep our athletes healthy, strong, and well-conditioned.
Movement can be fast or slow, efficient or wasteful, simple or complex. It can determine if we will live in chronic pain, ensure our athletic success, or even dictate how our genes are expressed. The importance of movement in our lives cannot be overstated. Bottom line, movement is a part of who we are as humans, and it is the first thing we look to improve when we design programs and classes here at Advantage Strength. Because it is the centerpiece of all our training, we have made “movement” our 2014 word of the year.
Move well!
Brian.
Advantage Personal Training is an Ann Arbor based Family Oriented Gym, focusing on the training needs of individuals, small groups and youth athletes. Meet with a results-oriented personal trainer and put yourself on the path to a more active life!
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