The Benefits of Functional Strength Training
Improved Daily Living
Functional training is a type of strength training that focuses on movements that are practical to daily life activities such as lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling. The goal is to improve overall body strength and its ability to perform day-to-day activities with ease. The benefits of functional strength training are numerous. For one, it can help you perform daily activities with more ease such as carrying groceries, lifting heavy objects, or even moving furniture. As you age, your muscle mass and strength begin to decline, but functional strength training can help you maintain and improve your overall strength as you age.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Another benefit of functional strength training is that it can help reduce the risk of injury. By strengthening the muscles used in day-to-day activities, you improve their ability to handle the stresses that come with those activities. For example, if you have a job that requires heavy lifting, functional strength training can help prepare your body for the demands of that job, reducing the risk of injury.
Improved Athletic Performance
Functional strength training can also improve your athletic performance. The movements used in functional training mimic those used in sports and other physical activities. By training your body to perform those movements with more power and control, you can improve your overall athletic performance.
Increased Fat Loss
Functional training also has the potential to burn more calories than traditional strength training because it incorporates more muscle groups and movements. When you engage more muscle groups, you burn more calories. This, in turn, can lead to improved fat loss.
How to Incorporate Functional Strength Training Into Your Workout Routine
Start With Bodyweight Exercises
If you’re new to functional strength training, start with bodyweight exercises. These exercises use your body weight as resistance, making them a great way to build strength without the need for equipment. Some good bodyweight exercises to try include squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks.
Incorporate Resistance Training
Resistance training involves using weights or resistance bands to add resistance to your movements. This type of training can help you build more muscle mass and strength. Some good resistance training exercises to try include deadlifts, bench presses, and rows.
Focus on Multi-Joint Movements
Multi-joint movements involve multiple muscle groups and joints working together to perform a movement. These movements are more functional because they mimic the movements used in daily life activities. Some good multi-joint movements to try include squats, lunges, deadlifts, and rows.
Vary Your Workouts
To keep your workouts interesting and challenging, vary your workouts. Try different exercises, rep ranges, and rest periods. You can also incorporate different types of training, such as HIIT or plyometrics, to keep your body guessing and prevent plateaus.
Conclusion
Functional strength training is a great way to improve your overall strength, reduce the risk of injury, improve athletic performance, and increase fat loss. By incorporating bodyweight exercises, resistance training, and multi-joint movements into your workout routine, you can reap the benefits of functional strength training. Vary your workouts to keep them interesting and challenging, and remember to always listen to your body and adjust your training as needed.