What is functional training? Basically, it’s using bands, balls, free weights, and plyometric exercises in ways that condition the body. And, doing those exercises in ways that mirror or mimic other activities or skills. In the past, many exercises in the gym were designed to build strength for specific muscles. That might make for a better looking body – but many times the muscles being trained and developed weren’t muscles that are used in “real life”.
Functional training then means to train muscles in ways that you can use in your daily activities and favorite sports! But, true “functional training” does have some drawbacks as well. For example, you can’t vary the resistance level like you can with a machine or weight bench. If you look at a typical exercise, such as a bicep curl, a machine can be designed to provide resistance throughout the entire range of motion. In a functional training move that trains the biceps like a bicep curl with weights while sitting on a Swiss Ball, there’s very little resistance at the top and bottom of the range of motion.
That’s not to say that functional training isn’t effective. The downside of using a machine is although a machine can provide resistance on a specific muscle group throughout a range of motion, that range of motion may be limited to one direction. Functional training has more flexibility throughout the entire direction of motion – which can build additional stabilizer muscles supporting the main muscle group.
In the “real world” – these stabilizer muscles are the muscles that once strengthened and developed, can not only propel you to new heights in your favorite sports, but also help you prevent injury as well! Functional training is a great way to build balance, stability, and neuromuscular coordination – and is a great addition to a well designed strength-training program!
