Functional Range Conditioning® (FRC)
Functional Range Conditioning, or FRC®, is a trademarked system of mobility and joint control training based in scientific principals and research.
Mobility, defined as the extent of controllable flexibility across articulations/joints (flexibility plus strength), refers to the amount of USABLE motion that one possesses.
In any particular articulation there exists both a passive and active range of motion. The passive range refers to the angles that are only attainable through passive means (ie. the application of passive, external force). The term ‘flexibility’ has historically been synonymous with this concept and has been the focus of many athletes, trainers, therapists, sports medicine practitioners, and society as a whole. Reasons for this goal have historically included injury prevention, improving athletic performance, slowing the effects of aging, and developing long ‘athletic-looking’ bodies. However, as with most physical exercise activities, stretching and flexibility training has long fallen into the realm of ‘gym science,’ while the true science has failed to be recognized. This has lead to the creation of flexibility training programs, which have been largely ineffective, misguided, dangerous…and that have failed to realize any of the desired goals.
Active ranges of motion are those ranges that are attainable through the application of active, internal (muscular) force simulated by nervous system activity. It is these active ranges that can bestow the aforementioned benefits of injury prevention, improved performance (athletic and non-athletic), and lasting articular health.
FRC® utilizes the latest advancements in scientific knowledge, combined with tried and tested training methods to increase one’s active, usable ranges of motion by simultaneously improving articular mobility, strength/resilience, and neurological control.
In essence, this invaluable, and innovative training system improves the ability to control and move one’s own body.
There are 3 main goals when training using the FRC system and all are closely interrelated and acquired simultaneously:
- Mobility Development
Mobility refers to the amount of active, usable motion that one possesses. The more mobile a person is, the more they are able to maximize their movement potential safely, efficiently, and effectively.
- Joint Strength
While improving mobility and movement potential, the FRC system also acts to ‘bulletproof’ (or safe-guard) your joints so that movement can be executed safely.
- Body Control
Training with FRC improves the function of your nervous system. This leads to a reduction of pain and injury, joint health and longevity, as well as an increased ability to move freely and easily.