Are you moving correctly?
We see the buzzwords “corrective exercise” thrown around a lot in the physical training world. As a coach who focuses heavily on mobility, natural movement patterns, and movement quality above all else, I have been tempted to use these words myself. But what is corrective exercise?
Are you moving correctly?
We see the buzzwords “corrective exercise” thrown around a lot in the physical training world. As a coach who focuses heavily on mobility, natural movement patterns, and movement quality above all else, I have been tempted to use these words myself. But what is corrective exercise?
As a coach, I examine how each client moves, and prescribe movements to address what I find. Each individual requires a different set of primary strength movements and complimentary accessory drills to move them from their current state toward their goals.
Everything we do is focused on “correcting” some deficiency, either in their overall strength and mobility, or in one specific area of a movement pattern.
Everything we do is “corrective exercise.” This is the whole point of hiring a coach.
Correct Movement is Corrective
Obviously, coaches will find a need to improve a few/several/many/nearly all of the movement patterns they use with a client. However, these needs do not exist in isolation from any of the other physical requirements that define their program.
Developing proper techniques is not a separate endeavor from getting stronger, faster, or better. Learning to perform a proper squat (to the best of a client’s present abilities) is the best corrective exercise for a squat. Correct movement is corrective.
We can define many aspects of a proper squat, but adherence to these principles will express a very different looking squat in every person. A “correct” squat looks completely unique for each individual.
We can use accessory movements to strengthen weak aspects of the squat pattern, and teach our clients the sensations they should feel in critical ranges. But these accessory movements are not inherently “corrective.”
They only become corrective through a focus on performing them correctly, paying attention to the sensations, and then integrating these lessons back into a holistic movement.
“Corrective Exercise” does not define a subset of movements, but rather defines an awareness and commitment to moving better.
A correct squat is, and will always be, the best corrective exercise for a squat. When I see an athlete engaging the proper areas and prioritizing the movement pattern above all else, I care little about the depth of position or the weight on the bar (at least for now). Those measures of progress will come with consistency.
Progress means little if not accomplished within a correct movement pattern. There is not one “correct” pattern for a given movement, only restorative, corrective, nutritious movements and detrimental, disadvantageous ones. “Correct” means correct for your body, at this time.
Corrective exercise is a mindset, awareness, and commitment to quality. Check out the video below for an example of how these principles apply to a squat pattern, specifically.
