Functional Training

Fitness peeps are all aglow from the buzz of ‘functional exercise’, although its origins stem from the rehab industry. Starting from day 1, physical therapists are taught, “teach for function, strengthen for function, condition for function” so much so, that strengthening for any other reason hardly seems worth it.

Functional exercise helps to coordinate motor pathways of the trunk and extremities to promote cross body training of our neuromuscular systems. To this end, our body is able to coordinate in patterns which we would see in our day to day activities including lifting heavy groceries, walking up a hill as well as just sitting in and getting out of a car. Activation of these muscular ‘slings’ in the gym helps to ensure proper muscle recruitment in real life situations. Moreover, training your body to work efficiently to accomplish such tasks helps prevent back and neck injury.

The exercises are generally done while supporting your own full body weight (think free weights vs. machines). Often times the only resistance used is gravity, but don’t be fooled, these moves will still kick your butt! The main key here is quality not quantity. When you can no longer perform the exercise with good form, your set is over. But, don’t pull that bench press to the curbside just yet. Functional training can still leave minor muscle weaknesses which can be addressed through good ole’ isolated muscle movements as in machines.

Functional exercises coming your way soon, STAY TUNED!!