Ep. 34: Truth or Trend-Which is Better for You: Functional Fitness vs. Natural Movement?

The human body is designed for movement, and finding the best way to keep it strong, mobile, and resilient can be challenging. In this episode of Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life, Aly DiRoma dives into a side-by-side comparison of two popular training approaches: functional fitness and natural movement. Are these methods at odds, or can they work in harmony to help you thrive in every stage of life?

Aly breaks down the essentials, sharing how functional fitness emphasizes training specific movement patterns to improve everyday tasks—think squats, lunges, and pushes. It’s about building confidence in your movements and staying self-sufficient as you age. But as Aly reveals, this style has its limits: it often focuses on single-plane motions and might miss the multi-directional, unpredictable nature of real life.

Enter natural movement, where the focus shifts to exploring how your body naturally moves—crawling, rolling, climbing, and more. This approach is all about listening to your body, embracing spontaneity, and moving in ways that mimic real-life situations. It’s less rigid, more intuitive, and allows for a full range of motion, from floor to sky.

Aly’s verdict? They’re not competitors but partners. By blending the structure of functional fitness with the freedom of natural movement, you can access the best of both worlds. As Aly puts it, “It’s like peanut butter and jelly—each has its place, but together, they create something even better.”

In This Episode:

• The differences between functional fitness and natural movement—and why both matter.
• Key benefits of training for daily life and the importance of multi-directional, adaptive movements.
• How to find balance and integrate both styles into your routine.
• Practical examples of how natural functional movement expands on the foundations of functional fitness.

Notable Quote:

"Natural functional movement isn’t about perfectly doing an exercise. It’s about allowing the full range and capability of your body to be accessed." ~ Aly DiRoma

Join Aly as she unpacks these movement styles and guides you in making the best choice for your body. Whether you’re looking for stability, strength, or a bit more spontaneity, this episode is your blueprint for a more balanced approach to fitness.

Curious to learn more? Explore the classes Aly mentions, with a free 7-day trial at Modern Body Online Studio. Your membership gives you access to over 300 on-demand classes that include Groundwork and Awaken classes. https://modernbody.uscreen.io/

Connect with Aly DiRoma: https://link.me/alydiroma