Functional Strength Training - Part 1

Functional training actually originated within the field of rehabilitation through work with physical and occupational therapists. These professionals will work with patients after injury or loss of function to retrain them with the goal of functional independence. The therapists work with the patient and physicians with careful consideration of the condition, the goals and to ensure that the goals of treatment are realistic and achievable.

The focus of functional training outside of rehabilitation is very similar. In other words, they are exercises that use easily accessible materials and multiple muscle groups and joints to improve your overall fitness and prepare you to engage in real world activities.

You might contrast that with the goals of weight training for a linebacker on the football team or point guard on the basketball team. In both cases the fitness programs will be structured to improve their athletic performance and not necessarily improve their ability to do daily activities.

However, the case can be easily made that the linebacker and point guard probably already perform daily activities pretty easily!

Thus functional strength training is often for the average athlete and not the highly competitive professional. As we move throughout our day our body performs a wide range of movements. Each of these activities, such as walking, twisting, turning, climbing and stopping, involve movement through 3 planes.

These movements in 3 planes in space require training for more than just a force produced over a muscle group. Instead, functional strength training combines both the increase in strength and force potential with the coordinated relationship between the neurological system and the musculoskeletal system.

Resources:

MensFitness: The Functional Workout Routine

http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/the-functional-workout-routine

MensHealth: Functional Training Real-Life Strength

http://www.menshealth.com/powertraining/cms/publish/about-the-program/Functional_Training_Real-Life_Strength.php

ACE: What is Functional Strength Training

http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/1452/what-is-functional-strength-training/

She Knows: Functional Fitness

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/806681/top-functional-exercises-for-fullbody-fitness

BodyBuilding: Functional Training Craze

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jessec4.htm

MayoClinic: Functional Fitness Training