The concept of “Functional Movement” is nothing new. There are many references historically that deal with the same subject. Interestingly, America’s physical education roots were grounded in movement efficiency and quality of movement with a practical application emphasis–or as we might say again today, “functional.”
Here’s a nice example of this need for functional fitness from 1941 military training. In addition to the physical requirements, the psychological requirements are also part of the historic graphic because fitness with control is less than efficient.
- Physical Efficiency for Military Effectiveness Handout (The Lean Berets)
