“The fitness industry has completely misinterpreted what functional training really means,” states Michele Bond, M.S., whose pioneering research in the International Journal of Exercise Science has redefined our understanding of movement patterns. As a contributing author to “Fascia, The Tensional Network of the Human Body – 2nd Edition” and a Kinesiologist with over two decades of experience, Bond is challenging common misconceptions about functional training.
“Functional training isn’t about mimicking daily activities in the gym,” Bond explains. “It’s about understanding and optimizing the fundamental muscle chains (muscles that need to function as one unit) that make all activities possible.” Through her proprietary assessment system, The Kinesiogramâ„¢, she’s uncovered how true functional training stems from understanding functional anatomy.
The confusion about functional training has led to some questionable exercise trends. “Standing on a BOSU ball while doing bicep curls isn’t functional just because it’s challenging,” Bond shares. “True functionality comes from understanding how muscle chains work together to create efficient movement patterns.”
Bond’s research into the fascial network reveals that functional training must respect the body’s natural movement architecture. “Every movement in life involves certain chains of muscles working in coordinated patterns,” she explains. “When we understand these patterns, we can train them more effectively.”
A recent client experience perfectly illustrates this principle. Despite following popular “functional” workouts, they struggled with basic movements. Through The Kinesiogramâ„¢ assessment, Bond identified disconnects in their fundamental movement chains. By redirecting focus to these essential patterns, their overall function improved dramatically.
“The body operates in integrated systems,” Bond emphasizes. “True functional training respects and enhances these natural movement relationships rather than creating artificial challenges.”
Through extensive clinical observation, Bond has discovered that effective functional training requires understanding four key principles. First, movement patterns must follow natural anatomical chains. Second, exercises should enhance rather than disrupt natural movement sequences. Third, stability and mobility must be balanced within each movement pattern. Fourth, training should progress from fundamental patterns to more complex movements.
“What’s fascinating is how the body responds when we honor these natural movement relationships,” Bond reveals. “Performance improves not just in the gym, but in every aspect of daily life.”
The implications of this research extend beyond exercise selection. Bond’s work shows that proper functional training enhances overall movement quality, reduces injury risk, improves daily function, and increases long-term physical resilience.
“Most people are surprised to learn that some of the most effective functional exercises look nothing like daily activities,” Bond notes. “They work because they enhance the underlying movement patterns that make all activities possible.”
Through The Kinesiogramâ„¢ system, Bond helps clients develop truly functional movement patterns. “We focus on building a strong movement foundation first,” she explains. “Complex exercises come later, once the fundamental patterns are solid.”
This approach represents a significant departure from current trends in functional fitness. Instead of adding artificial challenges to basic movements, Bond emphasizes mastering the body’s natural movement patterns first.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is seeing how improved movement patterns transfer to real-life activities,” Bond shares. “When we train the body’s natural movement chains correctly, everything becomes easier.”
The impact of proper functional training reaches beyond physical performance. Bond’s research indicates that enhanced movement patterns can improve posture, reduce daily stress on joints, and increase overall movement confidence.
Success with this approach requires patience and proper progression. “Real functional training isn’t about impressive-looking exercises,” Bond emphasizes. “It’s about building quality movement patterns that serve you in everything you do.”
Ready to discover true functional training and transform your movement potential? Visit www.michelebond.com and sign up for the mailing list to learn about proper movement patterns and receive notification about the upcoming online training community launching in early 2025. Understand the science behind effective movement and unlock your body’s natural capabilities.