Want to feel energetic and active every morning? It’s not just you, but how do you achieve this? Your energy levels are directly related to your level of fitness. The fitter you become, the more you will have. Exercise is vital to your health, but there are so many types of fitness that you can choose from. Which one should you follow if there are so many options? Do you need to lift weights? Perhaps you should become a runner. Functional Training is another option. Recently, functional training has been all the rage. Functional training allows you to reap the rewards of an individualized workout program that’s designed for your daily life.
A functional training program has many benefits, but the three most important are: increased mobility, muscle development, and injury prevention. This blog will explore each of them in more detail.
What is functional training and how does it differ from other exercise regimens?
Let’s first define functional training and see how it differs from other types of exercise. Functional training improves the strength of your body, which is then translated into everyday activities. This makes it easier to move around and more safe. Anyone can do it, from exercise beginners to professional athletes. Who hasn’t had to lift a heavy package? Lifting a Kettlebell is a cross-training exercise that can help you prepare your body for the world outside of the gym in Manukau. Throwing a ball or playing footy with friends are also functional exercises that can be translated into everyday movements.
Building body versus functional training
The two are fundamentally different. Body-building exercises are repetitive and work a single muscle at a given time. Functional training is based on time and focuses on exercises that involve multiple muscle groups.
Group gym classes vs. Functional training
Functional training, by definition is an individualised workout. The weights and exercises are tailored to you, your daily movement patterns, and they will continue to change as you progress. Although group classes might include some functional movements, their essence is different because they are not tailored to each individual.
3 key results of functional training including example exercises
1. Increase your mobility with functional training
Functional training has many benefits, but the most important is an increase in mobility and flexibility. Functional training exercises are designed to increase your range of movement. Gymnastics-inspired moves also improve balance and coordination. These exercises are based on evidence and focus on increasing range of motion, protecting joints and supporting them.
Box jumps – functional training exercises for increasing mobility
Box jumps with plyometrics are an excellent functional training exercise that you can incorporate into your routine. They are simple and effective exercises that train lower-body muscles like glutes, quads and calves, and also challenge your balance.
Start by standing with your legs shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, and then jump onto . You can either hop off the box or step down. You can repeat the jumps for an amount of time. Challenge yourself to improve each time by increasing the number of jumps you do or changing the box’s setting.
2. Build strength using functional gym equipment
Weight training is an important part of cross-training and functional training. Functional gym equipment like dumbbells kettlebells, and bars is used in a variety of compound exercises which are highly effective at strengthening muscles. Weight training not only builds muscles but also grit, stamina and endurance. Both your body and mind become stronger when you push yourself to the limit during a workout.
Sled pushes for full-body strength building
The driver Sled, or prowler push is an essential piece of functional gym equipment. It is the ultimate all-body exercise. This is a powerful move that will leave your body exhausted. It also targets your shoulders, triceps chest, core, hips flexors, and quads.
Load up the sled first with and remember that it will be hard to move it. In real life, the first step can be the most difficult. Engage your core while keeping your back straight. You can bend or straighten your arms, but do not change their position. Your front foot should be the only one driving.
3. Prevent injury – functional ranging training
Functional training has a lower injury rate than other fitness regimens. Functional training exercises strengthen and improve your muscles, joints, and ligaments. With improved balance and control and increased strength, you have a lower risk of injury. Not just getting hurt while exercising is what we’re talking about. Functional fitness teaches you how to move safely every day. You won’t hurt your back anymore when you help a friend move, or play cricket at the weekend.
Bosu ball single leg step-up for injury prevention
Bosu-ball step-ups are one of the best exercises for strengthening your knees and ankles to prevent injury. Your body will be ready to react quickly the next time you step onto an uneven surface. This will help prevent an ankle twisting.
Place one foot on the ball-side of the Bosu. While balancing, bring the other leg up to a high-knee pose and lower it at the same spot. Repeat the exercise and change it up by holding longer or moving faster.
Get your very own functional gym equipment today
Functional training has so many benefits that go beyond staying healthy and fit. It’s all about moving your body to the best of your ability. Our experts at GAF have designed a range of gym equipment that allows our customers to experience the many benefits of this kind of exercise. We have everything you need to cross-train online, from cardio equipment, free weights and power racks, right down to footwear.
