Six Reasons Functional Training is A Great Approach to Fitness

With so many fads, trends and buzzwords in the fitness industry, it can be a challenge to keep them straight. So what makes functional training different? The idea is simple. You perform exercises that mimic the actions of daily life to build strength, mobility and power – fitness for the real world. The focus isn’t on muscles, but on movement – and that’s a game changer. Here are six reasons why functional training is a great approach to fitness, no matter your age or ability.

Benefits of Functional Training

• You’ll get moving – Our bodies are designed to move, and today’s society is largely sedentary. With functional training, your body navigates movement patterns instead of isolating specific muscle groups.
• Your posture will improve – It’s a muscle memory thing. By practicing proper technique and performing unilateral, or single-limb, exercises, you’ll help correct poor posture and muscle imbalances.
• You’ll increase muscle tone – Think of a gymnast’s physique, who consistently trains movement patterns and lift his/her own body weight.
• You’ll burn more fat – Full-body exercises are an effective way to boost your metabolism while improving strength, endurance and mobility.
• You’ll improve overall stability – With a focus on balance, strength, core stability, flexibility and mobility in every session, functional training challenges your entire body.
• You’ll improve your core strength – Core activation is a component of functional training exercises.

The Background Story

Today’s functional training has its roots in soldier rehabilitation following World War I. With injuries that impacted every day activities like walking, standing, sitting and bending, these soldiers needed physical therapy to address core strength and mobility. These days, functional training means a return to compound movements instead of the isolation exercises strongly associated with the bodybuilding, powerlifting and other fitness realms, where the focus is solely on building muscular physiques.

If you’re ready to try functional training, the certified personal trainers at Framework Personal Training in Reno are here to help. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s start improving your strength, mobility, flexibility and overall health.