What is functional training really and how does it compare to other methods of training?

Simply put, functional training is a classification of exercise which involves training the body for the activities performed in daily life.

The old school “weightlifting” exercises generally target only one muscle for each exercise. Functional training challenges multiple musclegroups, big and small, with each movement or exercise.

The short list of functional training benefits are:

• Building “inner strength”
• Endurance
• Improve balance
• Improve range of motion

“Core training” and “Functional training” is very close related as most of the functional training exercises challenges your core and stabilizing muscles. So yes if you’re wondering… abs!

Functional training challenges your body from all angles and through different planes of movement, thus the body is actually working much harder which equals burning more calories.

Another great benefit is that the muscles will develop more naturally and more balanced which will lead to long, elongated muscles as apposed to short, stiff and bulky.

Formal exercise include the use of  stability balls, resistance bands with handles, bosu ball, weight balls and balancing to name a few.

For example:

• balancing on a bosu while doing bicep curls
• walking lunges
• side lunges
• moving a medicine ball from side to side( covering the entire plane of movement )

…………………and the list really goes on and on.

To me personally, one of the major benefits is that it is impossible to become bored with functional training, which we know is the number one reason people stop training.

Remember, it’s always safety first, so make sure you consult with your physician before starting any physical program and ask a certified personal trainer to help you get started if you’re unfamiliar with any new piece of equipment or training method.

From the above statements I’m sure you can tell that I am a very big fan of functional training however traditional training and static machines has its place and I use both. Sometimes you want to target a specific muscle in which case a machine is perfect.