Kinetic Link Training
Kinetic Link Training (KLT) is a systematic approach to strengthening functional movement. The KLT system promotes the time-efficient development of strength and ease of movement in multiple planes of motion. KLT exercises and complete workouts are designed to encourage the development of a balanced and energised body, plus the cultivation of an overall sense of wellbeing. When utilising the Kinetic Link Training system, you will exercise in a way which creates stability and progressive strengthening of natural human movement patterns in many different directions. This is achieved by performing a wide variety of integrated upper and lower body movements through a strong, controlled core.
All KLT exercises and workouts focus on:
- moving with ease (pain-free motion through an appropriate range of motion).
- moving with efficiency (multiple muscles all contributing to the performance of every exercise).
- moving with strength (the capacity to generate force through full-body movement patterns).
- moving with control (strong, stable and fluid motions with safe, correct exercise technique).
Functional Strength Training Principles
All KLT exercises and workouts adhere to several basic functional strength training principles:
- Stand up to train – this means no seats and no benches. When you remove all external supports, you have to use your own lower body strength, stability and endurance (plus your own spinal strength and core control) for every repetition of every exercise.
- Perform integrated movements – this means to concurrently move the upper body and the lower body for every exercise. In the science of biomechanics we learn that the body is perfectly designed to spread forces across as many muscles and joints as possible to perform functional and sporting tasks – this is known as the Kinetic Link Principle. For example, when we lift a heavy box we use our legs to help with the lift, not just to protect our spines, but because the majority of the strength of the lift comes from the gluteals and leg muscles not just the upper body muscles. When we throw a ball, we step forward and rotate the trunk to assist with the arm in the throwing action.
- Demonstrate appropriate levels of stability and posture control – this means only train the prime movers (the big superficial muscles) to the extent that the stabilisers (the deep, small, often hidden muscles) can provide sufficient support to adequately control the core, spinal alignment and peripheral joint positions. KLT exercises should always be performed with excellent posture, looking smooth and graceful. KLT always celebrates quality of exercise technique in preference to poorly controlled (often excessively heavy) lifting.