Functional training is more than a buzzword. Generally speaking, functional training is designed to help you perform movements similar to what you do in your daily life or sport, but better. This would include movements like pushing, pulling, or even picking up something off the floor.
Functional training movements involve multiple joints instead of a single, isolated muscle group. For example, compare a bicep curl (bending at the elbow) to a step-up onto a platform. A bicep curl focuses only on the area of your body between your elbow and shoulder and isn’t necessarily a common, everyday movement. On the other hand, the step-up involves multiple muscle groups and is considered a functional training exercise. Every time you climb the stairs, you’re using the same muscle groups as a step up.
1. Improved Flexibility & Coordination
With a focus on moving through multiple joints, functional training encourages you to use all of the moving pieces together. When you’re first starting out with functional training, it can feel like a workout for your brain as much as your body.
Over time, you learn how to move more effectively and efficiently. Your range of motion improves, as well as your balance.
2. Increased Variety
Do you feel like you go to the gym and do the same thing over and over? Functional training can help add variety to your workouts.
Movements can include the use of your body weight, as well as dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and medicine balls. The possibilities are endless, and most exercises can be modified to fit with your specific comfort and fitness level.
3. Reduced Injury Risk
Because functional training exercises are designed to mimic movements from everyday life, you have the opportunity to build strength while performing similar movements. Increasing your strength can help you avoid a painful injury in the future.
Over time, regular functional training can improve the quality of your everyday life. And it’s never too late to get started!
To learn more about functional training, CrossFit, and how we can help you achieve your fitness goals, contact Cannon Fitness and Performance in Houston today.