What functional training really is

Recently, I was asked by an exercise science student if he can interview me for a functional strength training project. I then decided to write a little post for my blog on this topic as well.

So I'll start by saying that functional training is one of those trendy fitness industry terms that people like to use without understanding what it really means. Core is another one of those words, but that will be the subject of another blog post.

Functional training isn't just a workout with medicine balls and ropes. Functional strength is strength applied to or specified for a particular
activity. In functional training one is training to be a better performer in a particular sport or even a day to day activity.

For example, pre natal/post partum workouts are tailored to help women bend to lift, carry and hold the baby with ease. Making her life easier as a new mom would be a focus of her fitness program. Functional strength
training is movement focused versus muscle focused. Although it is ok to
include exercises that isolate the muscles in a functional training
program.

An example of a functional strength exercise is the squat press with a medicine ball. (Imagine squatting to pick something up and lifting it over your head to place it on the top shelf).

Other examples are:
1) Simply walking around with kettlebells in your hands as an exercise. (picture carrying grocery bags).
2)Squat wood chop
3)Walking lunge

Natasha Linton
Top Rising Star in Personal Training
-National Fitness Hall of Fame and Museum

NYC Personal Trainer