In the realm of physical fitness, the conventional approach has always been about building strength and endurance. However, a recent study published by MovNat has introduced a paradigm shift, revealing that movement-guided training can significantly enhance efficiency, not just within the confines of the gym, but beyond it.
The Study: Movement-Guided Training vs. Conventional Fitness
The study put ‘occupational athletes’—in this case, firefighters—under the microscope. The goal was to compare the effects of two distinct training strategies. The first strategy was a high-intensity exercise program aimed at improving physical fitness. The second strategy was a more holistic approach, designed to enhance both physical fitness and movement quality simultaneously.
Fifty-two firefighters were divided into three groups: a movement-guided training program (MOV), conventional fitness (FIT), or control (CON) group. The participants underwent a fitness evaluation and laboratory-based test before and after 12 weeks of training.
The Results: A Shift Towards Movement-Guided Training
The results were eye-opening. Both the FIT and MOV groups showed significant improvements in all aspects of fitness. However, only the MOV group exhibited improvements in spine and frontal plane knee motion control when performing each transfer task. The FIT group showed less controlled spine and frontal plane knee motions while performing tasks such as squatting, lunging, pushing, and pulling.
Moreover, 43% of MOV participants exhibited only positive post-training changes (i.e., improved control), compared to 30% in the FIT group and 23% in the CON group. Fewer negative post-training changes were also noted in the MOV group.
These findings suggest that emphasising how participants move during exercise may be an effective strategy to elicit behavioural changes beyond the gym environment.
The Implication: Efficiency Over Effectiveness
MovNat training sessions prioritize movement quality, preparing participants for real-life situations. It’s as much about mental training as it is physical exercise. While conventional fitness can help you gain strength by building more muscle, real fitness isn’t just about adding more weight, is it?
In the long run, we’re looking for efficiency. Since you cannot perform when you’re injured, being able to complete a task and stay injury-free is key. Hence, quality over quantity is what counts. Strength gained by adding more weight to poor movement results in big muscles without any purpose besides looking fit. And that’s where the problem lies.
Many people have become so externally obsessed that it doesn’t even matter anymore if your body is a mess or your mind is running on empty. Why not be more mindful of what movement can do for you as a complete, balanced human being next time you decide to ‘hit the gym’? Why not add some purpose to your practice?
Going barefoot can be your first step into natural movement. It will challenge you on every level. Learning to walk, then run naturally is a great foundation for a holistic approach to fitness. Or why not start by wiggling your toes and strengthening your feet?
