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Movement patterns are part of everyday life, whether you realize it or not. Bending over to pick something up off the ground is a hinge movement. Walking is a locomotion movement. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Understanding basic movement patterns can help when designing effective workout programs, injury prevention, and identifying problem areas.
These patterns are going to help build a foundation for functional movement, which will, in turn, help with all physical activities, including on an athletic field and in the gym.
As a little bonus, we've also included some of the more targeted movement patterns that you may see in bodybuilding routines.
So, how do we determine what a movement pattern consists of? Typically, these patterns are categorized based on one of the three following criteria:
The direction in which the body or limbs move will be the basic aspect of classifying movement patterns. For example, pull-ups or overhead presses could be considered vertical movements (although one is pulling and the other is pushing).
By categorizing movements based on direction, we can ensure that programs are balanced and target all planes of motion to avoid imbalances and overuse injuries.
Another way to classify movement patterns is by identifying the primary joint that acts as the lever during the exercise. This approach is helpful in understanding which part of the body is responsible for moving the load and how the movement is executed. For example, the elbow joint is the primary lever during a triceps extension.
Classifying movements by joint involvement helps in creating programs that target specific areas for development and injury prevention.
In some cases, an exercise is classified by considering which joint experiences the greatest relative force, even if another joint handles a larger absolute load. This classification is particularly relevant in exercises involving multiple joints, but one joint is under significant strain relative to its capacity. Think of a Bulgarian split squat: The hip, knee, and ankle are involved, and while the hip joint can handle the higher load due to positioning, the knee experiences a higher relative joint force.
This approach helps coaches and athletes understand the demands on specific joints during complex movements, allowing for better program adjustments and injury risk management.
The movement patterns covered in this section are typically seen in an athlete's training program or for someone focused on functional training rather than bodybuilding.
Locomotion refers to movements that propel the body from one place to another. These movements are essential for functional fitness, involving activities that mimic everyday movements.
The hinge movement pattern primarily targets the posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. This pattern is crucial for developing strength and power in the lower body and preventing injuries.
The squat pattern involves bending the knees and hips to lower the body, engaging multiple muscle groups in the lower body and core. Squats are fundamental for building lower body strength and improving mobility.
Push movements involve extending the arms away from the body, typically working the chest, shoulders, and triceps. These movements are essential for upper body strength and function. Push movements can be broken down further into two movement patterns; horizontal push and vertical push.
Pull movements involve bringing resistance toward the body, working the back, biceps, and forearm muscles. These movements are vital for balanced upper body strength. Just like push movements, pull movements can be divided into horizontal pull and vertical pull categories.
Rotational movements involve twisting the torso and are crucial for developing core strength and stability. They also enhance athletic performance and functional fitness. Anyone who has ever had a back spasm from turning to grab shampoo in the shower knows how important these movements are to keeping mobile.
Anti-rotational movements challenge the core to resist rotation, improving stability and preventing injuries. These exercises are crucial for core strength and functional stability. Just like it's essential to be able to turn, it's also crucial to resist forces trying to make you turn.
In addition to the previous movement patterns, certain less common patterns are essential for isolation exercises and specific training goals. These patterns are typically more focused on individual muscles or small muscle groups rather than the large, compound movements covered above.
Hip-dominant movements emphasize the muscles around the hips, particularly the glutes and hamstrings. These exercises often overlap with hinge movements but can be more isolated.
Knee-dominant exercises primarily engage the quadriceps, often involving exercises that focus on knee extension and flexion. Remember the explanation about the primary joint lever? In these cases, the knee would fall into that category.
Anti-flexion exercises challenge the core to resist bending forward, enhancing core stability and preventing lower back injuries.
Anti-extension exercises focus on resisting spine hyperextension, which is crucial for core stability and protecting the lower back during dynamic movements.
Anti-lateral flexion exercises involve resisting side bending, strengthening the obliques, and enhancing overall core stability.
Now that you're an expert in common and less common movement patterns, you have a better idea of how your body works and how to have a balanced approach to strength training. Identifying your weak points and implementing appropriate exercises to help correct them can increase your strength and lower the risk of injury.
With your newfound movement pattern knowledge, you can adjust any training program to fit your needs, creating the best possible custom workout plan. Now that we have saved you some money by not having to hire a personal trainer do us a favor and be the best you can be in the gym!
At SET FOR SET, we strive to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed for your fitness journey. Our team of experts, including certified trainers, dietitians, and athletes, brings over a decade of industry expertise. Our goal is to be your primary resource for all fitness inquiries, guiding you toward a stronger and healthier life. Sign up to stay up-to-date!
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Tyler DiGiovanni
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