7 Primal Movement Patterns
The 7 Primal Movement Patterns
These are foundational human movements we’re designed to perform daily. Training them improves strength, mobility, and real-world function.
Squat
Bending at the hips, knees, and ankles to lower your body.
Examples: bodyweight squat, goblet squat, sitting down and standing up.Hinge
Bending primarily at the hips with minimal knee movement.
Examples: deadlift, hip thrust, picking something off the floor.Lunge
One leg moves forward, backward, or sideways while the other stabilizes.
Examples: walking lunge, split squat, going up stairs.Push
Moving a load away from your body using the upper body.
Examples: push-up, overhead press, pushing a door.Pull
Bringing a load toward your body using the upper body.
Examples: row, pull-up, opening a heavy door.Twist (or Rotate)
Rotating through the spine and hips, often under load.
Examples: Russian twists, throwing, swinging a bat.Gait (Locomotion)
Walking, running, crawling — moving your body through space.
Examples: walking, sprinting, loaded carries.