Assessing Functional Upper Body Strength

I have recently been reading Mike Boyle’s new book ” Functional Training For Sports”2nd edition” and it has been great to see that he writes about using chin ups/pull ups, inverted bodyweight row and the push up as the assessment for upper body strength.  These three exercises have always been the foundation of what I have used to assess ones upper body strength because it requires the individual to master the ability to move their own body against gravity.  These three exercises also require very minimal equipment and therefore testing and training of these three exercises can be performed across many different environments.   The other thing that I love about these three exercises is that they can be adapted in many ways to create a variety of different loading patterns on the body i.e. hand placement, position of the body relative to gravity, use of external load, stability challenges as well as changes to the traditional acute variables such as reps, sets, rest break etc.   If you are currently training and are looking to assess your upper body functional strength, then make sure you don’t forget to incorporate these three movements into your assessment and training program.

This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy.  Heath has a particular interest in exercise rehabilitation and strength and conditioning.  He has completed ASCA Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Course, Powerlifting Association Level 1 Coaching Course, FMS and many more.  For all of your injury treatment and management needs, touch base with us at www.principlefourosteopathy.com.  Principle Four Osteopathy are one of Melbourne City CBD and Docklands leading osteopathy clinics.