Functional Training: Why It's Important
Functional training has revolutionized the way we perceive fitness. Far from focusing solely on aesthetics, this type of training aims to increase our ability to perform everyday tasks more efficiently and without the risk of injury. The benefits of functional training are numerous, ranging from improved strength and flexibility to increased endurance.
What is Functional Training?
Functional training is based on the idea that our training exercises should be designed to improve the functions of our body. It's not just about lifting weights, but engaging in movements that mimic those we use every day, like bending, squatting, pulling, and pushing. It's a way to make our body more efficient, stronger, and more resistant to injuries.
Why is Functional Training Beneficial?
The benefits of functional training are numerous and varied. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider incorporating this training into your daily routine.
Improvement of Mobility and Flexibility: Functional training aims to improve mobility and flexibility, two key elements in preventing injuries. By using movements that stretch and strengthen different muscle groups, we can increase our range of motion and flexibility. We also have an article that can help you with this matter.
Strengthening of Muscles: Functional training focuses on strengthening the entire body, not just isolated muscle groups. This allows for the development of balanced strength, essential for carrying out daily tasks with ease.
Improvement of Posture: By targeting core muscles, functional training helps improve posture, which can reduce the risk of back and neck pain.
Improvement of Balance and Coordination: Functional exercises often involve multiple muscle groups and require good coordination. This helps to improve balance and coordination, two important aspects of fall prevention.
Examples of Functional Exercises
There are many functional exercises that you can incorporate into your training routine. Here are some examples.
1. Squats: Squats are an excellent functional exercise because they mimic the movement of squatting, an action we do every day. They strengthen the thighs, glutes, hips, and lower back (Check out our article to help you execute them properly).
2. Push-ups: Push-ups are another example of a functional exercise. They strengthen the upper body and core, which can help to improve posture and stability.
3. Lunges: Lunges mimic the movement of climbing stairs or walking uphill. They strengthen the legs and improve balance.
4. Deadlifts: Deadlifts mimic the movement of lifting a heavy object off the ground. They strengthen the lower back, hips, and thighs, and can help prevent injuries when handling heavy objects.
In conclusion, the benefits of functional training are significant and go well beyond improving physical appearance. They help you become stronger, more flexible, and more resistant to injuries while improving your mobility and coordination. Feel free to integrate these exercises into your training routine to enjoy these benefits.