The Real Benefits of Functional Training

THE REAL BENEFITS OF FUNCTIONAL TRAININGthe muscle and angle that the machine allows.
We hear a lot about functional and core training but isMulti-plane exercises are more complex movements
it just another passing "fitness fad" or should all of usand more closely mimic movements that are used in
be incorporating this concept into our exerciseeveryday life.
routines?The easy way to begin to add functional movements
Having been in the fitness industry for more than 14to your training is to simply write down what you do
years I am convinced that the addition of functionalevery day. What are your physical challenges? If
movements into your current exercise routine will beyou're a secretary you may find that your legs and
one of the most important changes you could makeback ache at the end of the day from picking files
for better overall fitness and good health.from the floor. These would be your first areas to
Traditional "weightlifting" exercises generally target onlytarget. Don't think of fitness as something that is done
one muscle for each exercise. Functional trainingonly in a gym. By simply taking advantage of your
exercise generally targets more than one body partevery day movements you can turn your office or
with each movement or exercise. Functional traininghome into an effective functional training area!
emerged primarily from the sports conditioning andFor more formal exercise, stability balls, resistance
rehabilitation world. Functional training refers to the typebands with handles or simply beginning to do some of
of exercises that contribute to better, more efficientyour training on an unstable surface will be a good
and safer performance of real world activities orintroduction to more functional training. Remember, it's
sports movements.always safety first, so make sure you consult with
The short list of functional training benefits are:your physician before starting any physical program
*Building "inner strength"and ask a certified personal trainer to help you get
*Endurancestarted if you're unfamiliar with any new piece of
*Improve balanceequipment or training method.
*Improve range of motionI invite you to apply just some of the principles of
Functional training allows you to work your muscles onfunctional strength training to see where it takes you.
different planes (hitting different angles) and buildingI'm convinced that by adding functional training to your
strength in those "stabilizer" muscles as well as thecurrent conditioning program you will begin to see
main target muscle. Machines are pre-set using onlytremendous results.