What Are Primal Movements? Understanding And How to Incorporate Them into Your Routine

What are primal movements? Primal movements are more than just exercise; they’re a way of reconnecting with the innate capabilities of our bodies. In the realm of fitness, there’s a growing trend that’s taking us back to our roots – primal movements. This approach to exercise is not just a fad; it’s a return to the fundamental movements that have been hardwired into our DNA through millions of years of evolution. But exactly, what are primal movements, and why are they so important for our health and well-being?

What Are Primal Movements?

Primal movements are the basic actions that form the foundation of human physical activity. These movements are instinctual and were essential for the survival of our ancestors. They include patterns like squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, twisting, and gait patterns such as walking and running. These movements are not only natural but also functional, meaning they help us perform everyday tasks with ease and efficiency.

The Seven Core Primal Movements

Experts in the field of functional fitness have identified seven core primal movements that are believed to encompass all the actions we perform in daily life. These are:

1. Squatting: Fundamental for tasks like sitting and standing, squats engage the entire lower body.
2. Lunging: Mimicking the action of stepping forward or backward, lunges develop balance and lower body strength.
3. Pushing: From opening doors to pushing objects away, this movement pattern is essential for upper body strength.
4. Pulling: Whether it’s pulling ourselves up or drawing objects closer, pulling movements are crucial for a strong back and arms.
5. Twisting: Rotational movements are key for a flexible and strong core, aiding in almost every motion we make.
6. Bending: Picking up objects from the ground involves hinging at the hips, a movement pattern that protects our spine.
7. Gait: Walking and running are the most basic forms of human transportation, engaging multiple muscle groups.

Benefits of Primal Movement Workouts

Primal movement workouts offer numerous benefits. They improve mobility, enhance performance, and foster a healthy mind-body connection. By focusing on these natural movement patterns, we can reinforce proper form, regain lost strength, and increase agility. This makes primal movements particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their functional fitness – the ability to handle real-life situations with ease.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Routine

Adding primal movements to your workout routine is simple. Start by incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups into your regimen. Focus on form and fluidity rather than speed or weight. As you become more comfortable with these patterns, you can increase the complexity and intensity of the movements.

Read More: 10 Super Effective Exercises To Obtain A Stronger Core and Get Abs