Unleashing the Benefits of Functional Training
In the complex and ever-changing world of fitness, the term “functional” has emerged as a new trend. It is often associated with training methods that promote strength, stability, and mobility. Functional fitness, also known as functional training, is a form of exercise that prepares your body for real-life movements and activities, rather than isolating individual muscles. I’ve been a functional trainer since 1996 and have benefited from this form of exercise. Now, I want to teach you about the benefits of functional strength training and why it should be a part of your fitness regimen.
What is Functional Fitness?
Functional fitness is a type of exercise designed to train and develop your muscles to make everyday tasks safer and easier, including sports and other types of workouts. These exercises simulate common movements you might do at home, work, or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time. Functional training exercises also emphasize core stability and balance.
The Benefits of Functional Fitness Workouts
Functional fitness workouts offer a plethora of benefits that extend beyond the gym. Here are eight reasons why you should incorporate functional fitness into your exercise routine:
- Improved Movement Patterns: Functional training focuses on training movement patterns, rather than isolating individual muscles. This approach results in a better overall functioning body, improved performance in daily activities, and less risk of injury.
- Enhanced Movement Efficiency: Functional strength training is used to help athletes perform at their peak. By focusing on movement patterns, these exercises help improve efficiency in competition and everyday life.
- Sculpted Physique: Functional training exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to a leaner, more athletic-looking body.
- Boosted Coordination and Mobility: Functional training exercises can reduce the risk of injury by improving overall coordination and mobility. They enhance your ability to control movement through an entire range of motion.
- Increased Calorie Burn: Functional training exercises can burn more calories compared to traditional strength training because they engage more muscles in each movement.
- Enhanced Aerobic Capacity: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a form of functional training, can significantly improve your aerobic capacity, making your body more efficient at using oxygen.
- Increased Lean Muscle Mass: Functional training, especially when combined with high-intensity exercises, can help maintain strength and lean muscle mass, which is particularly important as we age.
- Ease of Class Design: Functional training is adaptable and versatile, making it easy to design classes that suit a variety of fitness levels and adhere to current health guidelines.
Functional Workout Programming is Here to Stay
Functional fitness is more than the latest industry term; it’s a comprehensive approach to exercise that promotes health, strength, and balance in everyday life. By focusing on movements that are natural and useful in our daily routines, functional fitness workouts offer a practical and efficient way to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Incorporate functional fitness into your workout routine and experience the benefits firsthand. Remember, the goal is not just to improve your appearance, but to enhance your overall quality of life.
Keywords: Functional fitness, fitness functional, functional strength training, functional fitness, functional fitness workouts