By the end of this lesson, you will understand how categorizing exercises by movement patterns contributes to athletic performance, injury prevention, and functional fitness.
Introduction to Basic Movement Pattern J.Javen (1).pdf
1. INTRODUCTION TO BASIC
MOVEMENT PATTERN
Exercise and Sports Science
Presented by
Reference: Walker, Owen. “Basic Movement Patterns.” Science for Sport, last modified December 20, 2023. Accessed November 7, 2024.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/basic-movement-patterns/
.
J. Javen
2. Introduction
Basic Movement
Patterns
Today, we will be discussing basic movement
patterns—the building blocks of functional
fitness training. These patterns help us
create balanced exercise programs focused
on movement efficiency, which is key for both
athletes and general fitness.
3. Objectives
Introduction
to Basic
Movement
By the end of this lesson, you will understand how categorizing exercises by
movement patterns contributes to athletic performance, injury prevention,
and functional fitness.
4. How do basic movement
patterns contribute to effective
and functional fitness training
for both athletic and everyday
activities ?
Central Question
5. Functional, by definition, means something that is
‘designed to be practical and useful, rather than
attractive’. Though this has become a huge buzzword
in recent years with trainers using any form of ‘fancy’ or
‘attractive’ equipment they can get their hands on, it
simply refers to any training methods that are applicable
and useful for that sport, regardless of complexity or
attractiveness.
Functional
For example, a simple barbell deadlift is practical and
useful for athletic development in rugby, therefore this
may be referred to as ‘functional’.
6. From Body Building to
Functional Training
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the value of basic movement patterns, let’s explore how training
philosophy has evolved over time.
In the mid-20th century, the focus of strength training revolved around
bodybuilding—primarily training muscles in isolation to maximize muscle
growth and aesthetics. This approach was popularized by athletes like Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who set the standard for muscle-focused routines. However,
it became apparent that muscle isolation did not fully support the movement
demands of sports and functional tasks (Verkhoshansky, 1967; Yessis, 1979).
Photo credit: https://www.perch.fit/blog/the-evolution-of-strength-training
7. Historical Context
Pioneers in Movement Training
During the 1960s and 1970s, Soviet sports scientists
like Professor Yuri Verkhoshansky and American
biomechanist Dr. Michael Yessis challenged
traditional bodybuilding. They introduced the idea
of functional training: a shift toward training
movement patterns instead of isolated muscles. This
approach focused on developing strength and
coordination in ways directly applicable to athletic
performance and daily life (Verkhoshansky, 1967; Siff
& Verkhoshansky, 2009). Photo credit: https://www.perch.fit/blog/the-evolution-of-strength-training
8. Historical Context
The Rise of Funtional Fitness
By the 1980s and 1990s, functional training gained
traction globally, especially as sports science programs
grew. Coaches and trainers began to recognize that
training movement patterns allowed for more practical,
injury-resistant, and efficient strength. This shift laid the
groundwork for today’s focus on movement-based
training, which supports the body’s natural
biomechanics and is tailored to real-life movement.
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-machines-
functional-fitness-training/
9. 1. Enhance Performance
Why
Movement
Patterns
Matter?
2. Injury Prevention
Studies by pioneers like Yuri Verkhoshansky and
Michael Yessis shifted training emphasis from isolated
muscle growth (bodybuilding) to functional
movement for sport-specific development. Their work
established that training movement, not muscle alone,
leads to better outcomes.
10. 1. Frontal
Planes of
Motion
2. Sagittal
Coronal (or Frontal Plane): Cuts the body into
front and back halves. Side-to-side movements.
Sagittal Plane: Cuts the body into left and right
halves. Forward and backward movements.
Transverse Plane: Cuts the body into top and
bottom halves. Twisting movements.
Recall and Recap
3. Transverse
11. Categories of Basic
Movement Patterns
1. Hip Hinge
2. Knee Dominant
3. Vertical Push/Pull
4. Horizontal Push/Pull
5. Rotational and Anti-Rotational
Understanding these patterns can help us structure training that
improves strength, flexibility, and coordination, offering a foundation for
more complex movements.
12. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Hip Hinge
This category of exercis involves hinging motion at the
hip joint with little-to-no knee movement. These hip-
dominant exercises are initiated by a contraction of the
hip extensors (e.g. glutes, hamstrings) and spinal
erectors to extend the hip. These exercises tend to be
more of a pulling action as opposed to a push.
Romanian Deadlift
Kettlebell Swing
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
13. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Hip Dominant
Though this category can include hip-hinging
movements, it is used to identify all exercises in which the
hip joint plays the primary role. For example, whilst the
Glute Bridge is a hip-dominant movement, it is not
reflective of a hip-hinging movement. Similarly, the High-
Box Step-Up is also a hip-dominant movement that is not
reflective of a hip hinge.
Glute Bridge
High-Box Step Ups
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
14. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Knee Dominant
This category is classified by movements in which the
knee is the dominant lever during the exercise.
Low Box Step Up
Lunges (forward, backward and lateral)
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
Leg press
15. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Vertical Push
This category of exercises includes all exercises that
move the load/weight vertically in relation to the torso,
or at least in that direction. It usually consists of
movements in the sagittal plane (shoulder flexion) or
frontal planes (shoulder abduction). Furthermore, this
normally means its movements create shoulder abduction
and/or flexion and extension of the elbow (i.e. pushing).
Push Press
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
Seated Shoulder Press
16. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Vertical Pull
This category of exercises also includes moving a
load/weight vertically in relation to the torso, or at least
in that direction. However, it usually consists of
movements in the sagittal (shoulder extension),
frontal, or transverse planes (shoulder adduction).
Furthermore, this normally means its movements create
shoulder extension and/or adduction with elbow flexion
(i.e. pulling).
Lat-Pull Downs
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
Plank rows
17. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Horizontal Push
This category of exercises involves moving a weight
straight out in front of you, away from the torso. Therefore,
it consists of movements in the sagittal (shoulder flexion)
and/or transverse plane (shoulder horizontal adduction)
with elbow extension (i.e. pushing).
Press-Ups/ Push-Ups
Bench Press
18. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Horizontal Pull
This category of exercises involves moving a weight
towards the torso. Therefore, it consists of movements in
the sagittal (shoulder extension) and/or transverse plane
(shoulder horizontal abduction) with elbow flexion (i.e.
pulling).
Bench Row
Seated Row
19. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Rotational and
Diagonal
This category of exercises are primarily associated with
movements of a rotational nature, typically within the
transverse plane. These movements may also incorporate
some form of pushing and/or pulling movements.
Russian Twist
Woodchops
Photo credit: https://www.ironathleteclinics.com/benefits-including-
machines-functional-fitness-training/
20. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Anti-Rotational
Anti-rotation exercises are designed to challenge the
lumbopelvic complex muscles (i.e. the core) to prevent
rotation in the transverse plane and improve stiffness and
stability of the spine (5) – hence the term ‘anti-rotation’.
NOTE: Some exercises in this category also fall into other
categories, meaning some exercises can have dual
purposes and therefore potentially more ‘bang for your
bucks’.
Single-Arm Rows
Woodchops
21. The Science Behind Each Pattern
Why it matters?
Each movement pattern aligns with real-life
actions or sport-specific tasks, reinforcing
strength that translates directly to athletic
performance and everyday activities.
22. Fun Session
Key
Takeaways
Movement patterns are the building
blocks of effective and balanced training.
Training by movement pattern develops
functional strength, coordination, and
flexibility, reducing injury risk and
improving movement efficiency.
23. Central Question
How do basic movement patterns
contribute to effective and functional
fitness training for both athletic and
everyday activities ?
Answer:
Basic movement patterns are essential to fitness training
because they provide a structured approach to
developing strength, stability, and coordination that
align with natural human movements. By training
through these patterns—such as hip hinge, knee
dominant, and rotational movements—we build
functional strength that enhances performance in
both sports and daily activities. This approach not only
improves efficiency in movements but also reduces the
risk of injuries by focusing on joint stability and muscle
coordination. Movement-based training, therefore,
promotes a balanced and practical fitness foundation
that benefits athletes and non-athletes alike.