Lakeshore Yoga

What Is Functional Range Conditioning?

Dear Students,

Most of you know that I finished Functional Range Conditioning training two years ago.
First, I added FRC into my practice and then included principles of this system in my classes. 

Functional Range Conditioning is a system of joint health and mobility training.  The FRC training system applies scientific methods to expanding active, usable range of motion.  It was developed by movement specialist Dr. Andreo Spina as a mobility training system created to improve joint health. 

Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) was a game-changer for me.  I already have enough flexibility; after so many years of practicing yoga, I needed to strengthen the joint through the full range of movement – particularly in the end range, where joints are usually at their weakest. That is why I added FRC to my practice. Including FRC in my daily routine, I gained strength throughout the whole range of motion and control my body in poses.

In over 16 years of teaching yoga, I have found that nearly every single student requires some form of articular rotation to either help decrease current joint pain or prevent the likelihood that they will experience joint pain in the future.
Injuries often occur when a force is exerted that’s greater than the ability of our tissues to withstand it. Often that’s when a joint comes under stress in its weakest position.

As a yoga teacher, I’ll often hear students insist that they won’t be able to participate in Functional Range Conditioning training because they’re not flexible enough . . . but it isn’t about being flexible! It’s about pushing the ranges of motion and exploring new ways to control movement, which can often result in enhanced flexibility.

Where stretching classes and yoga usually focus on improving the flexibility of muscles and joints, FRC aims to strengthen the joint through the full range of movement – particularly in end range where our joints are usually at their weakest.
By doing so we improve overall control of our movement, improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
Injuries often occur when a force is exerted that’s greater than the ability of our tissues to withstand it. Often that’s when a joint comes under stress in its weakest position.

FRC helps you to become more aware of your body and allows you to complete linear movements with ease. The main benefit of training your body’s functional range is the impact on your joint’s overall health, which is beneficial for everyone, not just pro athletes.
Any joint pain will be reduced, and the risk of developing joint issues in the long haul will become significantly lower. Additionally, your mobility will increase which will – in turn – enhance your workout performance. 
FRC at Lakeshore Yoga is delivered as part of a goal-based private program. Its role is to improve the effectiveness and safety of your yoga practice, any other activities, or your daily routine.