Functional training is a type of exercise that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike weightlifting and cardio sessions, functional training focuses on improving daily movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. It has become an essential part of many athletes’ training routines and is now widely recognised as an important component of overall fitness and health for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore what functional training is, its benefits, exercises, personal training options, and certification options for fitness professionals.
What Is Functional Training?
Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on movements that mimic activities of daily life or sports-specific movements. The principle behind this types of training is that it trains the body as a whole rather than isolating individual muscles. The goal is to improve general movement patterns, including flexibility, strength, and balance. This translates into everyday activities and sports.
The Benefits of Functional Training
Functional training offers many benefits, both for athletes and people who are just wanting to get fitter. Here are some of the most significant benefits of functional training:
- Improved mobility and flexibility: Functional training movements help to increase mobility and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities and sports movements.
- Increased core strength and stability: Functional training strengthens the muscles in the core, including the abdominals and lower back, which can help improve posture, balance, and stability.
- Enhanced balance and coordination: Functional training movements can help with improving balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and boost sports performance.
- Improved muscular endurance and power: Functional training helps improve muscular endurance and power by training the body to work as a complete system.
- Increased calorie burn and weight loss: Functional training exercises are designed to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This helps increase calorie burn and support weight-loss goals.
- Improved sports performance: Functional training can improve sports-specific movements, such as jumping, running, and throwing. This leads to better performance on the field.
- Decreased risk of injury: Functional training helps improve overall movement patterns, which can reduce the risk of injury during sports or daily activities.
Functional Trainer Exercises
Functional training exercises are designed to mimic the activities of daily life or sports-specific movements. Here are some examples of functional exercises:
- Squats: Squats help improve lower body strength and mobility, which can improve movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury.
- Lunges: Lunges work the lower body, including the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This can improve overall lower body strength and stability.
- Push-ups: Push-ups are a full-body exercise that improves upper body strength and core stability.
- Planks: Planks are core exercises that improve core strength and stability.
It is essential to perform each functional exercise using proper form and technique to maximise the benefits and reduce the risk of injury. The importance of progression and modification – based on individual fitness levels – needs to be emphasised.
Functional Personal Training
Functional training can be incorporated into personal training sessions to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Working with a functional personal trainer can offer many benefits such as tailored training programmes, expert guidance on form and technique, as well as motivation to achieve fitness goals. Functional personal training can be customised to meet individual goals and needs, whether it be to improve overall fitness or sports-specific movements.
Fitness Functional Trainer Certification
Fitness professionals who are interested in functional training can pursue certification – from an institution such as Trifocus Fitness Academy – to expand their skill set and credentials. Certification options typically require an accreditation process (and the endorsement from the relevant SETA) and prerequisites, such as a background in personal training or related experience. Ongoing education and professional development are also important for functional trainers to stay up to date with the latest techniques and research.
Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving daily movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. It offers many benefits, such as improved mobility and flexibility, increased core strength and stability, and enhanced balance and coordination. Functional trainer exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks, which should be performed with proper form and technique.
Personal trainers can incorporate functional training into their sessions to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Fitness professionals can pursue certification options to expand their skill set and credentials.
At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we offer functional training courses and resources for aspiring fitness professionals. We believe that continuous learning and professional development are essential for success in the ever-evolving health and fitness industry. If you’re interested in exploring functional training as part of your fitness journey, we invite you to learn more about our courses and resources.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is functional training?
Functional training is a type of exercise that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by mimicking natural movements and using multiple muscle groups.
Why is functional training important?
Functional training can improve mobility, balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness, leading to better performance in daily activities and reduced risk of injury.
What are some examples of functional training exercises?
Functional training exercises can include squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, kettlebell swings, and medicine ball throws.
How does functional training differ from traditional weightlifting or bodybuilding?
Functional training focuses on movements that are practical and applicable to daily life, while traditional weightlifting or bodybuilding may prioritise isolated muscle groups or aesthetic goals.
Can functional training benefit athletes or fitness enthusiasts?
Yes, functional training can improve athletic performance by enhancing functional movement patterns and addressing muscular imbalances or weaknesses. It can also be a challenging and effective workout for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.