Functional Strength Training – What is it?

Functional Strength Training?

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Many people are aware of the concept of strength training. Using weights and resistance machines, muscles are developed and strength increases with repetitions.

Keeping our body in good condition isn’t always easy, but with a little bit of effort and hard work, you can help yourself to stay fit and healthy. Becoming a healthy person is generally a balance of a few different things. A good diet, regular exercise and workout sessions, 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and low stress levels. On the workout side of things, you should be doing both cardio and strength training. In order to decide which strength training exercises are best for you, it’s important to understand functional strength training.

What is strength training?

Strength training is an important part of any regular workout routine. It is an umbrella term for the types of exercises we do which incorporate weights and resistance. This enables the body to build its strength through the use of added weight and resistance into movements which otherwise would be fairly straightforward.

What is functional strength training?

Functional strength training is a type of strength training that uses regular everyday movements to help your body get into peak physical condition. For example, sitting down is a movement which we all do every single day. Squatting is an exercise movement designed to mimic this movement while training the muscles in the calves, thighs and buttocks. It is therefore part of functional strength training.  You will be building muscles which are used every day for regular movements and tasks.

Is functional strength training important?

While functional strength training might not seem like a great way to build huge muscles. It is more effective than many people realize. It has been proven to slow down the ageing process.  By doing regular functional strength training, the muscles which you move for regular activities will become stronger and more flexible, making it less likely to get an injury when playing sports or carrying out movements which are difficult and awkward for the body.

How can you incorporate functional strength training into your workout?

You can incorporate functional strength training by doing movements such as squats, kettlebell swings and planking as part of your weekly workout routine. If you use weights in your workouts, simply add them to the new functional strength training exercises, such as squatting with a barbell or planking with small weights attached to your ankles.