What is Functional Training?
Perhaps you’ve heard or read about functional training? It’s one of the more fashionable exercise routines that are popular at the moment. Now, what exactly is it? Can anyone perform it? We’ll answer those questions in this article.
What is functional training?
More and more people – many of them celebrities – practice functional training. And, of course, as a result, the popularity of this discipline has increased.
Functional training is about exercises that are performed in a way which takes into account the natural functioning of the body. This means that during exercise, the muscles will work by imitating everyday movements.
Work out your entire body
The benefit of using this method of training is that it allows you to perform exercises in a more appropriate way, with less risk of injuries and cramps.
Functional training aims to improve posture, strength and endurance. Perfect for everyone, this discipline doesn’t follow the same rules as other disciplines that involve the use of gym equipment.
That’s right! Unlike machines, functional training does not work by isolating muscle groups. Therefore, you will not have a leg day, a back day or an arm day. Each session will work-out your entire body!
In addition, you’ll never become bored because each session will be different from the previous one. You’ll no longer have to do the famous series or exercise repetitions in order to tone, strengthen or lose weight.
What are the benefits of functional training?
You may think that functional training is a new trend. However, it was actually created in the 80s and was based on Russian training from the 1920s.
Micheal Boyle is the creator of this discipline that uses the natural and dynamic movements of the body to strengthen and work-out the body’s muscles. Eventually, functional training which was once used to prevent back pain ultimately became the best routine to lose weight, perform cardio and tone muscles.
Each session is performed with high intensity but over a short period of time. The average session lasts for about 30 minutes and it has the same or even better results when compared to traditional cardio or aerobic exercises.
Sessions involve many movements with a few simple accessories that include a rope to improve stability and abdominal strength.
The benefits of this training method include:
- Improved joint and muscle mobility.
- Works on the main and secondary muscles.
- Functional training improves motor skills such as balance, coordination, and agility.
- It improves posture and reduces cramps and pains.
- It’s fun, eliminates stress and favors social integration.
- Functional training strengthens the core, abdominal and lumbar areas of the body.
- It reduces the amount of time we spend in the gym since the sessions are shorter.
The best thing about functional training is that it can be practiced by almost everyone. The classes range from simple to more complicated exercises. Consult a trainer in order to find out the best way to start according to your individual abilities.