What does “functional” mean?

In my work and marketing, I talk a lot about preferring function over form when it comes to measuring progress.

The longer I do the work of exploring movement in community (whether in a group class or 1-1, you're all part of my community), the more I appreciate the variety of human experiences we bring to the mat. We all start from different places, and function looks different for everyone. For me, it means that I can do all the things I love doing—with the occasional challenge to my preferred limits. Last summer, that looked like deciding to run home from Local Yogurt with my kids as we tried to dodge a rainstorm. I don't run often. But am I strong enough to run (ok, maybe jog) 1/4 mile when I need to? Yep. Did it feel awesome? Yep. 

Sometimes it looks less exciting: It’s about being able to do the laundry (including hauling baskets up and down stairs, plus all the folding) without pain. It’s about being able to cook dinner, or play with your kid, take your dog for a walk, without twinges inhibiting your movement. It’s about being able to do the heavy, occasional stuff, too, like picking up that 50-lb. bag of cat litter, or shoveling mulch all day.

Let’s get into my specialty: core & pelvic floor function. Maybe it's about not leaking pee when you sneeze. Maybe it’s about having sex that doesn’t hurt (ok, that’s a little out of scope, but your pelvic PT will help!). Maybe it’s about being able to pick up heavy stuff. Having a functional core, pelvic floor—a functional body—is about life feeling good.

Function helps get us to joy. Function makes it easier to feel more at home in your body.

What does function look like for you?