– 4 minute read –
Functional training is a classification of exercise which involves training the body for the activities performed in daily life. For some people that means maintaining a healthy form, for athletes it means being able to prepare their body for ultimate performance in sports. The complexity of a workout can be adjusted to the level of each individual. With time we continuously raise the bar and progress with the level of training.
I like approaching every client like an athlete, since we are in fact all performing on different stages in life. The basic principles are the same. Building a strong core to protect the back and create a good posture. Our core body muscles are the elemental building blocks for balance. And balance is probably the most important skill we should all strive to work on our entire lives.
Not only in physical form, but mental as well. Maintaining equal weights on the scale between work & fun, training & resting, relationships & self reflection. Most importantly striving to be present in today’s flood of distractions. Occupying the mind while learning anything new, or being playful while exercising does just that.
Alan Watts said we should embrace each moment as unique and unrepeatable. Live our lives with full awareness and engagement in the here and now.
Challenges
Challenging ourselves is what keeps us alive while moving forward. It is also the best way to keep our momentum going. Instant feedback from small wins & accomplishments is the best motivation to show up the next time.
Training our body for performance in everyday life is not only beneficial for the body and brain. It is the best motivation to keep going. Fuelling our mind with challenges, is the game changing difference in perception of what a workout session can look like.
Learning
The overarching advantage of physical activity is the comprehensive improvement in health, longevity, and quality of life. It helps us think clearly, problem-solve and balance our emotions. My favourite element of functional training is learning new skills, particularly new movement patterns.
That leads to
- Enhanced cognitive function: Improves memory and learning.
- Brain health: Promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
- Mood boost: Elevates mood and reduces stress.
- Motivation: Keeps us going, increasing consistency.
- Physical fitness: Improves coordination and motor skills.
- Social interaction: Enhances community building and social skills.
- Efficiency: Combines mental and physical goals in one activity.
- Engagement: Makes fitness more enjoyable, playful even.
By being playful we keep our minds occupied, making the workout feel effortless. This way time flies while working out, and we keep coming back for more. Combining the learning of new skills with exercise is my one of my favourite effects.
Enhancing both mental and physical well-being. Cognitive improvement keeps us sharp and responsive, forming new connections in the brain.
Another important aspect of functional training is awareness of our body. Being able to feel the correct muscles involved in a movement pattern.
This way we internalise each exercise in a deeper sense, so that we perform it better with each new session. Understanding why we are doing these exercises helps us implement them in our daily life.
Functional training
It starts with a good warmup. I try to change it up, keep it interesting, while the basic elements stay the same. It is a routine, but playful and creative. Just like with an actual workout, a warmup routine can be challenging. Once we are familiar with the basics, we take it up a notch with some yoga elements and mobility training. Pushing the body forward with different body movements.
On the contrary of what traditional fitness industry is doing, we love full body exercises. Instead of isolating muscles on machine stations, we play with different movement patterns. Just like in real life and especially in sports, there are multiple parts of the body involved. Therefore we get ready for the obstacles in todays world. Kind of like tuning a car for optimal performance in the environment it will be driven.
Functional training means discovering your mental and physical limits every time you show up
And this is the best part, each training session involves new elements, by coming up with new ideas. Trying out a different movement sequence, upgrading an exercise by adding more balance elements. That challenges our muscles differently and it engages our core, improves coordination. I love adding unstable surfaces like a thick balance pad, balance board and the bosu ball.
Mobility plays a big role in each training session. While warming up we introduce new movement routines involving mobility, and when exercising the squats get deeper. Most importantly make the next couple habits a part of each and every day.
Squat down, or stand on one leg while you are texting. Introduce a short movement routine in the morning. It can be anywhere from just three minutes, to a half an hour when you have enough time. Get up and stretch every hour or two at the office. Do not be afraid to look different, breathe deeply and trust me, your body will thank you in the long run.
Slovenska verzija teksta je na voljo tu – Funkcionalni trening
