Aquatic Exercise Association

2211 – Functional Movement Certificate

Intermediate / 8-hour Workshop / 8.0 credit hours
Pool Viewing Time: 2 hours
Classroom Viewing Time: 2 hours
Pool Viewing Time: 2 hours
Classroom Viewing Time: 2 hours

Faculty: Maryanne Haggerty, MS-ExPhys

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Part 1 of Functional Movement will focus on building the foundation for functional skills. This course covers the basics of Function beginning with breathing mechanics for function to be efficient. Deep core activation with emphasis on diaphragmatic breathing and the inner core stabilizer sequencing will be practiced. The importance of activating the intrinsic core stabilizers as the foundation for stabilization in aquatic exercises will be progressed as efficiency of the nervous system is achieved. Correcting muscle imbalances will be explored through the kinetic chain to achieve neuromuscular efficiency through effective exercise selection and technique. Range of motion and corrective flexibility issues will be addressed as needed to allow postural stability and efficient trunk-centered lower and upper extremity mobility. The basic foundational skills of daily living such as sit to stand, balancing, walking, pivoting, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, pulling, getting dressed, and more will be addressed in relation to increasing neuromuscular efficiency for effective functioning.

Part 2 of Functional Movement will focus on activation of the weak stabilizing muscles to promote muscle balance and overall whole body balance. Integrating the basic foundations of Function with breath training, intrinsic core stabilization, and corrected range of motion and flexibility prepares the total body for progressing muscle activation, balance and endurance. The stabilization of the core will be taken to the next level which is balance. By putting the core in action we will be enhancing function for the whole body. The aquatic environment increases the demand for taking the core to the next level with balance, which will be explored and applied in this segment for functional skills from balancing, sit to stand, walking, pivoting, stairs, reaching, pushing, pulling, and more. With application of the basic foundational skills taken to activation of weak muscles with balance stabilization, we will apply utilizing a total body approach to achieve muscular balance decreasing movement pattern compensations.

Part 3 of Functional Movement will focus on advanced movement developing strength and power for functional movements. After mastering the basic foundation and intermediate activation and balance training, the next progression for total function is to advance movement by developing muscular endurance and then muscular strength. Aquatic resistance training requires additional lumbar and spinal stability. Advance movement to build muscular endurance and strength will require different types of aquatic resistance equipment for muscle balance and for developing force couples with concentric shortening and eccentric lengthening to deal with functioning with gravitational forces. Developing strength/hypertrophy develops functional strength. Power is overlooked for many aquatic therapy programs, but once the foundation is laid, the activation is developed, landing mechanics are practiced for control and the strength is built, then the control and quickness of power can be exercised on each individual’s level. Combining all three parts of Function (Foundation, Activation, and Movement) will promote integrating a total body approach to training functional strength. Equipment uses and their transition to land functioning will be explored.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Build the foundation for total function beginning with the basics of breathing mechanics, sequential activation of the deep core stabilization system, and correcting muscle imbalances.
2) Identify and address altered length-tension relationships interfering with neuromuscular efficiency, breathing mechanics, and deep core activation.
3) Practice effective strategies for exercise selection and techniques for correcting dysfunctions in muscle imbalances and inefficiencies in breathing mechanics, intrinsic core stabilization system, posture and body mechanics.
4) Establish basic foundational skills and learn how to increase neuromuscular efficiency for effective functioning.
5) Activate weak muscles to promote joint and muscular stabilization and balance.
6) Advance core stabilization to the next level with balance stabilization training.
7) Explore muscular balance activation and balance training through a total body approach.
8) Practice whole body functional patterns through a multi-planar conditioning approach.
9) Evaluate the safety of progressing muscular endurance, strength, and power promoting total function.
10) Experience lumbar and spinal stability with resistance training.
11) Experience the difference in aquatic exercise equipment for muscular balancing and for developing force couples.
12) Explore the control and quickness of power training and its function for daily lives.
13) Integrate total body functional strength training with the foundation, activation, and movement of function for stabilization with mobilization for whole body muscular balance.

FACULTY: Maryanne Haggerty, MS-ExPhys, educates individuals, groups, and corporations in health, wellness, and fitness. In addition to teaching several certifications and continuing education courses, she has developed many progressive functional exercises for stabilization and muscular strengthening. Her mission is to promote safe and effective exercise enabling individuals to be functionally stronger.