Functional training: what is it?

Veröffentlicht am: September 06, 2024
Alexander  Schmidt
Alexander Schmidt

Physiotherapist

"Functional training is the new trend among fitness freaks and those who want to become one. The main focus of this training method is the practicality of the exercises: In functional training, individual muscles are not trained in isolation, but complex movement sequences from everyday movements or other sports are taken up in order to increase performance and reduce the risk of injury. Pulling, pushing, rotating, squatting, carrying, walking and running are the basic movements from which complex sequences are formed. Muscles are built up through self-stabilization, as this is not dictated by rigid strength equipment. Functional training mainly involves training with your own weight. However, the use of various small pieces of equipment is also possible and highly recommended.

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Who is functional training suitable for?

Functional training is suitable for every age group and fitness level. The definition of the goal plays an important role: for tennis players, for example, the focus can be on improving the serve through targeted functional exercises, while for senior citizens, stabilizing the core muscles is more important. However, functional training is also ideal for training endurance and improving general fitness and performance.

Where can I do functional training?

Many gyms already offer such "freestyle zones" or "functional zones", where exercisers can find the right equipment and space for functional training. Functional training equipment includes medicine balls, power bags, kettlebells (dumbbells) and TRX stations (sling trainers). Group courses for functional training are also offered in some cases. The great thing is that if you are one of those athletes who prefer to train at home or outdoors, a functional zone can be set up anywhere with little effort. Basically, all you need is space and a pair of sneakers. But a medicine ball, a set of kettlebells or even a sling trainer can also be procured at relatively low cost.

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Functional training - not a short-term trend!

This trend is by no means just another short-term hype in the fitness world - the concept has been used in top-level and competitive sport for decades, with outstanding success. These exercises train strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. Muscular stability is improved, coordination skills are enhanced and entire muscle groups are strengthened. The visual effect of a beautiful, defined body is almost a side effect of functional training.