One big reason to practice functional training instead of “run of the mill” workouts is sheer range of movement and “real life” application.
You aren’t going to get as many meaningful benefits from just using machines compared to the multi-benefits of functional exercise.
For instance, a simple test i do on individuals and turn it into an exercise is simply standing up and down on a chair.
Most people can do this, some cannot however and will really struggle to get up. This shows a lack of mobility and underlying strength.
This shows a lack of strength in the core more specifically, and this will give me significant clues about the programme that needs to be prescribed.
How many people do you know who need a lift up from a chair? Quite a few i would imagine especially after the age of 50? When you think about it, this is FAR too young to be experiencing mobility problems and work needs to be immediately done on this vital source of power and movement for the body.
Every exercise i give an individual, i will be looking for “real life” benefits from it. Every workout should help the individual live a better quality of life, that’s my mission every time.
So you can i get more than a little frustrated with people whose sole focus is “losing weight”! This means the individual doesnt really know the vast and true possibilities and opportunities that correct exercise selection brings.
Yes, you WILL drop some weight, body fat from the exercises i give you, sometimes a substantial amount if needed, but appreciating the big picture will make your health and fitness programme far more rewarding for you.
This is why i really despise weight loss clubs and their false claims. They only focus on the weight, usually done in an unsustainable way too, so in my book they will always be a total “no no”!
Enjoy your training and the many real life benefits it brings.
