Beyond the Barre: Functional Movement Training and Competitive Dance Athletes
Date of Award
Fall 10-23-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Denise Howard
Abstract
This professional industry experience is held at LeVici Fit Performance Studio located in Eden Praire, MN under the advisement of certified personal trainer and owner Marcus LeVesseur where an observation study is conducted to understand functional movement training practices for various populations/ demographics of clientele including adolescent dance athletes. The goal of this experience is to gather a greater understanding of the day-to-day practices of a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and observing how functional movement strength training exercises can be programed and implemented in sport training curriculums and in private, semi-private and group sessions. The main focus of the observational research is to investigate how functional movement training is applicable in adolescent sports and how it could possibly be considered a recommended form of supplemental strength training for competitive dance athletes. Understanding how to utilize the lessons in this experience towards current and future career endeavors as a dance instructor and inspiring exercise science professional is critical to the overall growth of the observation project and future applicability.
Keywords: Functional Movement Training, Certified Personal Training (CPT), Competitive dance athletes, Supplemental Strength Training.