What does the term 'functional movement' refer to?

The term 'functional movement' specifically refers to movements that mimic everyday activities to enhance overall performance. This concept emphasizes the importance of training the body to execute movements that are applicable in daily life, such as squatting, reaching, lifting, and walking. By incorporating these movements into training programs, individuals can improve their strength, stability, and coordination, ultimately leading to better performance in both daily tasks and athletic activities.

In the context of athletic training, functional movements are designed to strengthen the muscles used in these activities, promote better balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of injuries. This approach complements the body's natural mechanics and can lead to improved efficiency in movement patterns.

Other options, while they may highlight important aspects of fitness, do not capture the essence of functional movement as effectively. For instance, focusing solely on strength training may overlook the applicability of those movements to real-life scenarios. Similarly, movements that significantly increase heart rate are more related to cardiovascular fitness rather than functional movement training. Lastly, performing movements solely during competition lacks the broad application of movements that functional training aims for throughout an individual's day-to-day life.