In today’s post I want to introduce a fundamental component of our programming philosophy. It’s integral to everything we do and I’ve even put it up front and centre on our main wall. Functional Movement Systems founder, Gray Cook, established a unique approach to identify underlying issues in the way we move. He took 7 basic movement patterns and developed a screen known as The Functional Movement Screen. The results of that screen provides a unique window into a clients strategy for completing simple movement patterns. When a compensation is detected, specific action can be taken to further determine the cause and prescribe corrective movement patterns and even patterns to avoid until the compensation has been cleared.

The video below goes into further detail about the system and our beliefs behind Body Fit’s Functional Movement Evaluation.

In part 2 of our mobility vs stability series, we have a closer look at thoracic spine mobility.

This week, we have a look at two exercises that will help improve your thoracic mobility. Thoracic mobility is a key component of spinal rotation. … Furthermore, those that lack mobility through the thoracic spine are subject to more injuries involving the shoulder and neck, as well as having an increased prevalence of low back pain. Another great movement that helps your mobility is the spinning classes, and you can go to STRETCH Studio for the best exercise routines and teachers.

The thoracic spine is oriented in all three planes—in the transverse, the sagittal and the coronal plane. It can do rotation, flexion and extension, as well as side bending. The vertebrae are set up for side bending, but the connection between the rib and the vertebrae blocks that side bending. There isn’t a lot of side bending at the thoracic spine. This is not because the vertebrae cannot handle it, but because of the connection between the rib and the vertebrae.
If you are unfamiliar with the general concept of mobility and stability, please see the first video in the series from last week. You can find that video here: http://uxbridgefitness.com/mobility-vs-stability.html

Eric Noyes
BHSc (Kin), CSEP-CPT, Lead Trainer
Body Fit Health Club & Sports Performance Centre

Part 1 of a 3 part series….

The terms mobility and stability often get thrown around a lot. Most people have heard the terms, yet they don’t quite know what they mean. In this part 1 of a 3-part video series, I discuss the differences between mobility and stability.

Mobility refers to movement and a joints ability to move through a range of motion. Stability refers to control and a joints ability to maintain control of a joint position through movement.

In part 2 and 3 of this series, I will be discussing the impact that mobility and stability have on our posture as well as postural correction exercises you can do to help correct a few compensation mechanisms you may have adopted.

Eric Noyes
BHSc (Kin), CSEP-CPT, Lead Trainer
Body Fit Health Club & Sports Performance Centre

In part one I talked about the three main planes of motion that are most commonly referred to when talking about how we move. If you missed that video, you can watch it here: Part 1

Today I wanted to discuss planes of motion from a different perspective. Shoulder exercises and more often than not, rotator cuff exercises, are executed without considering how the shoulder blade (scapula) sits on the rib cage. If you are feeling a pinch or more tension in the front or back of the shoulder when doing things like internal or external rotation or even abduction, chances are, the ball and socket aren’t lining up right.

In the video below I show you how to set yourself up in the scapular plane so that you get the most out of your shoulder exercises.

About the Author:  Andy Luukkonen BPHE (Hons), FMS Level 2. TMR Level 1. Andy is a graduate of The University of Toronto’s School of Physical and Health Education. He holds his Functional Movement Systems Level 2 Certification and is a Certified Total Motion Release Practitioner. He is the owner of Body Fit Health Club and has been training general population and sport specific clients at Body Fit since 1996.  He can be reached at andy@bodyfit.ca for advice and consultation.

I’m often asked about the treadmill as a means of cardiovascular exercise. Usually the conversation goes a little something like this:

Client – “I plan on coming to the gym 3 times a week and was thinking of coming in to use the treadmill on my off days.”

Me – “That sounds like a great plan you have laid out for yourself. However, can I suggest perhaps going for a walk instead of using the treadmill.”

Client – “Why? Isn’t it the same thing?”
Well……. that question is answered in this weeks video. In the video I discuss the difference between walking on a treadmill and walking on the ground and which one you may want to consider when deciding how to get your cardiovascular exercise.

Enjoy!

Eric Noyes
BHSc (Kin), CSEP-CPT, Lead Trainer
Body Fit Health Club & Sports Performance Centre