Functional Training: The Basics
Functional training is a type of exercise that aims to improve your overall physical fitness and quality of life by focusing on movements and activities that are essential to everyday life. Unlike traditional workouts that focus on isolated muscle groups, functional training incorporates movements that require the use of multiple muscle groups to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. In this article, we will go over the basics of functional training, so you can get started on your journey towards a healthier and happier you.
What is Functional Training?
Functional training is a form of exercise that utilizes various movements, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, to improve your overall strength, balance, and flexibility. These exercises focus on engaging multiple muscle groups at once, which is essential for movements that are necessary in everyday life.
Functional training is designed to mimic daily activities like lifting groceries, carrying a heavy backpack, or pushing a stroller, which means it has a direct impact on your ability to perform these activities with ease. The main goal of functional training is to improve your physical fitness, so you can move better, feel better, and live your life to the fullest.
Why is Functional Training Important?
Functional training is important because it helps to improve your overall physical health and fitness by focusing on movements that are essential to daily life. As we age, our strength, balance, and flexibility naturally decline, which can lead to a decreased quality of life. However, by incorporating functional training into your exercise routine, you can improve these areas of fitness, which can help to slow down the aging process and keep you healthy and active for longer.
Additionally, functional training can help to reduce the risk of injury by strengthening the muscles and joints that are involved in everyday movements. By incorporating movements that require balance and stability, you can improve your body's ability to handle sudden movements and prevent injury.
How to Get Started with Functional Training
If you're interested in getting started with functional training, the first step is to consult with a fitness professional who can assess your current fitness level and create a workout plan that is tailored to your needs. A personal trainer or fitness coach can help you to identify areas of weakness and develop a plan to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility.
Once you have a plan in place, it's important to stay consistent with your workouts. Functional training should be done at least 2-3 times per week in order to see results. As you progress, your trainer may increase the intensity of your workouts by adding weight or increasing the number of repetitions.
Functional Training Exercises
Below are some common functional training exercises that you can incorporate into your workout routine:
1. Squats - Squats are a great way to target your lower body and improve your overall strength. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat.
2. Lunges - Lunges are another great lower body exercise. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart and step forward with one foot. Lower your body until your front knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
3. Push-ups - Push-ups are a great upper body exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Begin by getting into a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest touches the ground and push back up to the starting position.
4. Planks - Planks are great for improving core strength and stability. Begin by getting into a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release.
5. Russian Twists - Russian twists are a great exercise for improving core strength and stability. Begin by sitting on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground. Twist your torso to the right and touch your hand to the ground. Twist back to the left and touch your hand to the ground. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, functional training is an essential part of any exercise routine that focuses on improving overall physical fitness and quality of life. By incorporating movements that mimic everyday activities, functional training can help to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility, which can lead to a better quality of life. If you're interested in getting started with functional training, be sure to consult with a fitness professional who can create a workout plan that is tailored to your needs and abilities.