Do you ever find something on social media that you just have to share? It might be a funny meme, sentimental story, or information that reminds you of someone specific.
Well, a couple of months ago I discovered “Functional Patterns” on Instagram and was immediately intrigued. The leaders of this movement believed many of the same things I do about sleep, nutrition, nature, sun exposure, etc.
As I looked into their perspective on movement, I knew I had to learn more. Everything they said made so much sense. I couldn't stop looking at before and after videos of pictures of different people on their page. I signed up for their 10-week online program and began to work with a trainer. I have already begun to see changes in the way my body feels and moves.
Sharing this program on social media just isn’t enough. I want all of my contacts to hear about it. Let me share a little about it today and encourage you to check it out for yourself.
What is Functional Patterns?
The framework of Functional Patterns was established by Naudi Aguilar in 2009. It is based on the premise that every living animal evolved to have specific patterns of movement.
Fish use their muscles in a side-to-side manner as they glide through the water. A bird's wings move up and down to soar through the air. Each species has very different movement patterns that evolution has given them.
As humans, our main movement patterns are standing, walking, running, and throwing. These motions are at the core of how we move as humans and are crucial for our survival. Through functional pattern exercises our body learns to do these basic movements properly.
How is it Different?
Functional Patterns focuses on the body working as a system. It realizes that strengthening specific muscles outside of full movement exercises can lead to imbalances in the body which can cause harm. It uses human's main movement patterns because if you learn how to execute them it will impact every movement you do.
It begins with myofascial release, causing your body to hydrate the muscles and lose excess tension. Next full-body movements begin to strengthen and stretch muscles in a balanced way. You will quickly begin to notice less pain, more agility, better posture, and a leaner physique.
For me, when I go to a training session with my trainer Tyler, it is not only a physical workout but a mental workout. I am slowly learning to reprogram the way my body moves- my bad movement habits if you will, in order to form better habits that will eventually decompress and balance my spine, rib cage, and frame.
Who Benefits From Functional Patterns?
If you are human, you can benefit from functional patterns. It is for high-level athletes, those with disabilities, and everyone in between. It is for those with fancy gym memberships and those with little equipment at home. If you check out their social media page (@functionalpatterns), you will see before and afters firsthand of anyone from those with Parkinson's Disease to those with impressive improvements with scoliosis and posture, to just normal humans moving better. My main motivator to sign up was seeing women with an anterior pelvic tilt have posture improvements. This is something that I've noticed in myself since Chiropractic school 15 years ago, but haven't been able to shift on my own.
Functional Patterns is easily accessible through its online program. If you need some extra help or choose to pursue it further, there are trainers all over the world. Any age or fitness level will be able to see results from these movements, and the results last!
Take some time to look at Functional Patterns on social media, go to their website, or ask me questions the next time you are in. I am only just a beginner myself, but I can give you my perspective and point you toward local trainers who are much more knowledgeable.
Dr. Jamie
P.S. I work with my Functional Patterns trainer about every other week in Lombard. For more information connect with Tyler on Instagram. I have also heard great things about @stephanie_sandoval in Franklin Park.