Functional Movement Means Fortified Health

"Research shows that poor balance and coordination, weakness or inflexibility in the arms, hips, and legs, poor posture, and lack of core strength are all factors resulting from inactivity that can lead to stumbling, falling, disability, declining health, and premature death-not exactly the high quality of life we hope for. Simple movement tests like the following five are based on the idea that there's a connection between mobility and health,"

"Your back and legs should be flat and straight, resting on your toes; your core should be engaged; and your hands should be level with your chest, arms fully extended. While it may feel easier to drop your head forward, proper form requires it to be aligned with your back. Slowly bend your arms to a 90-degree angle, and pause at the lowest point. Hold for three seconds, contracting your core, then push yourself back up."

Poor balance, coordination deficits, limb weakness or inflexibility, poor posture, and weak core muscles result from inactivity and increase risk of stumbling, falls, disability, declining health, and premature death. Simple movement tests connect mobility and health and can motivate restoring fitness when inability to perform them is noticed. A traditional push-up measures upper-body and core strength and supports posture, balance, and stability. Performing a push-up requires a high plank with straight back and legs, aligned head, hands level with the chest, controlled descent to a 90-degree elbow bend, a three-second pause, and avoiding locked elbows.

Read at Alternative Medicine Magazine