Functional strength training are exercises that train your muscles to work together and prepare them for everyday activities. By improving your functional strength, you will not only be able to perform your daily tasks more easily, but you will also reduce your risk of injury.
What is functional strength training?
Functional strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving the strength of your muscles and joints to make everyday activities easier. Functional strength training can help improve your balance, coordination, and range of motion, as well as increase your muscle strength and endurance.
There are many different types of functional strength training exercises, but they all have one goal in common: to make your body better at performing everyday tasks. For example, squats and lunges are two popular functional strength training exercises that target the muscles in your legs and hips, which can help you stay steady when carrying groceries or climbing stairs.
No matter what your age or fitness level, functional strength training can offer benefits for everyone. If you’re new to exercise, talk to your doctor or a certified personal trainer before starting any new workout routine.
The benefits of functional strength training
Functional strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving the muscles used in everyday activities. This type of training can help improve your balance, coordination, and posture. It can also reduce your risk of injuries in daily life and help you stay active as you age.
There are many benefits to functional strength training, but some of the most notable are:
- Functional strength training can improve your balance and coordination.
- Functional strength training can help reduce your risk of injuries in daily life.
- Functional strength training can help you stay active as you age.
- Functional strength training can improve your posture.
The difference between functional and traditional strength training
Functional strength training is a type of exercise that helps you train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily activities. Unlike traditional strength training, which focuses on isolated muscle groups, functional strength training uses exercises that challenge your balance and coordination. This type of training can help you improve your posture, reduce your risk of injury, and make everyday activities easier. The best thing about functional strength training does not require strength training equipment, but can be done with body weight.
Traditional strength training often involves lifting weights and working with machines that isolate specific muscle groups. This type of exercise can help you build bigger muscles, but it may not prepare you as well for real-world challenges. Functional strength training, on the other hand, uses exercises that more closely resemble everyday movements.
For example, instead of using a chest press machine, you might do a push-up.
Examples of functional strength training exercises
Functional strength training exercises are designed to improve your overall fitness and strength. These exercises often mimic everyday movements, such as carrying groceries or lifting a heavy object, and can help you become more efficient at these activities.
Some common functional strength training exercises include squats, lunges, deadlifts, and presses. These exercises target all of the major muscle groups in your body, which will help you build strength and improve your overall fitness level.
If you’re new to functional strength training, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. You should also focus on proper form to avoid injury and get the most out of each exercise.
Chest press
The chest press is a functional strength training exercise that can be performed with a variety of weights and equipment.
The chest press exercise works the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms. This exercise can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or a machine. The chest press is an effective exercise for building strength and muscle mass in the upper body.
This exercise can be performed with a moderate to heavy weight. The number of repetitions will vary depending on the weight and intensity of the workout. Beginners should start with one set of 8-12 repetitions. Those looking to increase muscle mass may perform 2-3 sets of 6-8 repetitions with a heavier weight.
Squat
The squat is one of the most functional exercises you can do for strength training. It works your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and can also help improve your balance and coordination.
If you’re new to squatting, start with a bodyweight squat. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower yourself down until your thighs are parallel to the ground. For an added challenge, hold a dumbbell in each hand as you squat.
As you get stronger, you can add weight to your squats by using a barbell or kettlebells. If you’re using a barbell, place it across your upper back and hold it with both hands. For kettlebells, hold them at shoulder level with your palms facing in.
Deadlift
The deadlift is a weightlifting exercise in which a person lifts a barbell off the ground and then returns to a standing position. The benefits of the deadlift include increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance. The deadlift can also improve your posture and help to prevent back injuries.
Bent over row
The bent over row is a great functional strength training exercise. This move targets the back muscles, specifically the latissimus dorsi, which are responsible for pulling motions. The bent over row also works the biceps, forearm, and shoulder muscles. To do this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your hips back until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Bend your knees slightly and hold a weight in each hand with your palms facing your thighs. From here, keeping your back straight and core engaged, lift the weights up to the side of your chest. Lower them back down to the starting position and repeat for 8-12 reps.
Shoulder press
The shoulder press is a functional strength training exercise that targets the shoulders, upper back, and triceps. This exercise can be performed with dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells.
The shoulder press is an important exercise for overall upper body strength and development. This exercise can help to improve posture and prevent injuries. The shoulder press can also help to build strong bones and connective tissue.
Now you have seen examples of functional training why not start today?
In conclusion, functional training can provide many benefits for your overall strength and fitness. It can help improve your balance and coordination, as well as increase your strength and power. So why not start today? If you do start today, please let me know how you get on!
