What is Functional Fitness Training?
Functional Fitness Training Defined
You may not have heard of the term functional fitness training before reading this, but the truth is that functional fitness training is all around you. Functional fitness refers to a type of fitness where you keep your body moving in simulated routines that resemble everyday tasks.
Now, most people imagine working out as this fantastical imagery where you have a solid core and large protruding biceps that bulge every time you lift weights. This image is one that’s better to burn.
Not everyone can live this fantasy and in most cases, it’s unrealistic and impractical. It’s more difficult to maintain a bulky, muscular physique than a normal one, and not many people are aiming to become a PRO bodybuilder.
An easier and more reasonable way to maintain a fit figure is by sticking to simpler goals. What most people want is to be able to perform with the most practicality on a daily basis. To ensure this, drop the weights and stick to more natural movements. This is where you’ll resort to functional fitness.
With functional fitness training, you’ll be doing squats, lunges, stretches, and pumps that are closer to home. All of these movements will resemble the actions you do in everyday life.
Take lunges as an example. Lunges are the movement of stretching out and bending your leg. Though you’ll never be found walking in this cycle, it’s imitating the movements you make in more extreme cases. Going up the stairs and running use the same actions as walking does, but with more strength and power. By doing lunges, your muscles and joints become accustomed to the strong pull and strain and therefore perform more effectively as you run.
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As you grow older, you may have found that your body can’t do the same things as it used to. It’s alright since this happens to everybody. Unfortunately, the more lethargic you become, the faster this will happen to you. So it’s better to get up and get moving in any way that you can.
Functional Fitness training can be performed anywhere at any level of difficulty. For instance, you can even use your own bodyweight to perform the exercises without using any gym equipment. As long as you’re moving in a way that can benefit your body, you’re doing some kind of functional fitness training. It’s better than lifting the heaviest weights and then snapping when you’re trying to load groceries into your car.
Complimenting Functional Fitness Training with Your Lifestyle
As mentioned earlier, hoping for the perfect 10 out of 10 body is unrealistic and quite impractical. The basic aim should always be maintaining a healthy body you as a person are satisfied with.
Being fit is only an extra benefit to yourself. That said, your exercises shouldn’t interrupt your schedule, but rather flow inside of it. Once it becomes a problem to find time for your workout, a red flag should signal in your mind. Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting a workout routine that works for you.
Firstly, it shouldn’t take long at all. A 15 to 25-minute routine is enough to make a difference, so long as you’re implementing this workout every day. You don’t need anything that hard, just simple repetitive movements to properly pump your muscles. Your short workout can be early in the morning or after your busy day.
Typically, it’s better to work out before you start your day’s work, otherwise doing anything at the end of the day will tire you out more than you’d usually be. You can also develop intense strain and pain if you remain idle for too long after a workout.
Another idea is to spread out your workouts throughout the week. On days you’re working, work out for only 15 minutes and on weekends or holidays, work out for 20–25 minutes. This way you won’t tire yourself out when you have other things to do. Any system that suits your schedule is fine, so long as you’re getting the essential minimum of 15 minutes.
When you start out, keep all of your moves minimalistic. Nothing too extravagant that’ll pull your muscles before you’ve even used them. No weights in the beginning. They will strain your muscles far too quickly. Once you’re used to the burn from simpler workouts, you can apply small two or three-pound weights. Never start out big, as it’s unhealthy, unrealistic, and impractical.
When you’re functional fitness training working out, keep some water nearby and put on your sports gear. Always keep yourself hydrated when working out and stay safe at all times.
Have lots of free space around you with a clean, carpeted floor, or purchase yourself a yoga mat for moves where you bend or lie down. The more spacious your environment is, the safer it is to execute your workout effectively without injuring yourself.
Is Functional Fitness Training Right For You?
In contrast to popular belief, any given fitness program might not be a good fit for separate individuals. Though society has now made it something very normal, you may not fit in with this group of people that can work themselves to the bone.
If you’re baffled, bear through for there is an explanation. Yes, it’s true that functional fitness training basically tries to cover all generic movements, reinforce your stamina, strength, and range of motion yet still, what about those people who can perform daily tasks and nothing more?
Illnesses, weakness, age, and injury can prevent you from doing more than what you’re currently capable of. Though you may feel you’re ready for more, your body may not be. Remember before anything else, there’s no need to push limits that shouldn’t be pushed.
In typical cases, functional fitness can cover most people’s necessities. Whether you’re hunting for a better body or a more productive day, functional fitness Training reaps the benefits to aid you down that road. But for those with physical restraints and disabilities, there’s no harm in realizing what you’re not capable of doing.
If you’re injured, then it’s momentary unless the aftereffect is lifelong. A scrape or bruise will put you down for a few days. Broken bones will keep you grounded for a much longer period and in some severe cases, the rest of your life. If bodily functions are really something you wish to improve though, then there’s no reason for you to carelessly carry yourself around, injuring your limbs.
Other momentary obstacles can be surgery, pregnancy, traveling or moving and other impactful events in life. There’s no way you can keep up working out each and every day especially if you have other things on your agenda to attend to. Fret not if you miss a day, simply get back into the routine as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to return to your former glory.
As you grow older, you’ll become more limited to what you can do. Bone health and newly developed issues have to be taken into account before you attempt any kind of functional fitness training workout.
Some people are born with permanent issues that prevent them from working in certain positions. There are many situations you may find yourself in; being born with weaker bone strength could mean you’re incapable of working yourself past a certain degree. Breathing or digestive issues can also hold you down from working out since these areas will be directly affected.