{"id":150302213892,"date":"2016-05-18T00:58:31","date_gmt":"2016-05-18T00:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/?p=150302213892"},"modified":"2020-09-11T05:27:00","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T09:27:00","slug":"functional-training-introduction-benefits-functional-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/functional-training-introduction-benefits-functional-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Functional Training? \u2013 An Introduction To The Benefits Of Functional Exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When some people walk into the gym, the number one thing they want to accomplish is a <i>better looking body.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>They are training for aesthetic purposes only. They want to grow bigger arms, slim their waist, or round out their backside.<\/p>\n<p>Others however, don\u2019t especially care so much about the looks department. Sure, they want to look good (who doesn\u2019t?!), but it isn\u2019t their top priority when it comes to their training routine.<\/p>\n<p>For these people, exercise is more about improving performance. Perhaps they are looking to do some sport specific training to excel at their sport, or they may simply want to become more functional in everyday life, feeling like an athlete, even though they may not be actively engaging in sports.<\/p>\n<p>For these people, it\u2019s more about what the exercises will do for their body rather than how it will make them look.<\/p>\n<p>These are the people who will benefit from functional training exercises.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever wondered just what is functional training, the following is going to guide you through this form of exercise and give you the answers you need to know.<\/p>\n<p>Before we get started, check out this video where I illustrate what functional training can do for you.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Is Functional Training? - An Introduction To The Benefits Of Functional Exercise\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8MQKmhyqQ1U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\"><b>Functional Training 101<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So what exactly is functional training? And, how can you benefit?<\/p>\n<p>Functional strength training, as the name suggests, is physical training that helps you become more functional.<\/p>\n<p>Stop for a moment and think about everything that you are doing on a day to day basis.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re walking from your bedroom to your kitchen. You\u2019re lifting a heavy object to a shelf above your head. You\u2019re carrying in groceries from the car. You\u2019re walking up a flight of stairs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-wcbig wp-image-150302213893\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.bioptimizers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-800x533.png\" alt=\"bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053.png 800w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-570x380.png 570w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-500x333.png 500w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-200x133.png 200w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-550x366.png 550w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-450x300.png 450w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Cute-Woman-With-A-Shopping-Bag-117945053-750x500.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>These are just a few of the main things that you will be doing throughout your day.<\/p>\n<p>Now, what if all of those tasks could become easier?<\/p>\n<p>With functional training exercises, they can.<\/p>\n<p>When you are utilizing a functional strength training program, every single exercise you do will have a purpose. It will have transfer over benefits to your everyday life.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, performing a leg extension would likely not be a part of a functional training workout routine.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>How often are you performing that same movement pattern in everyday life? <i>Hardly ever (or never!).<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Squats on the other hand \u2013 chances are you are squatting at least 10-15 times per day. You squat every time you sit down to eat a meal or go to work at your desk.<\/p>\n<p>This is a highly functional exercise and one that would be included over and over again in your training program.<\/p>\n<p>Functional training is all about strengthening whole body movement patterns. It\u2019s less about picking one specific muscle group and making it grow. This is more what bodybuilding training is all about.<\/p>\n<p>With bodybuilding, you are trying to shape the perfect physique. You are looking at your body symmetry, how developed certain muscles are compared to other muscles. You are basically turning your body into a piece of art.<\/p>\n<p>[sc name=&#8221;start-alert&#8221; ]<b>Free Bonus: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download the 12 Week To Doubling Your Energy course for FREE right now <\/a><script src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox-1019.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\" data-leadbox=\"1405d6a73f72a2:119220809b46dc\" data-url=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" data-config=\"%7B%7D\"><\/script>and learn the art of snacking properly to encourage a leaner body composition.[sc name=&#8221;end-alert&#8221; ]<\/p>\n<p>With functional training, it\u2019s quite the opposite. You\u2019re hardly ever looking at just a single muscle because rather, you are focusing on <i>movement patterns.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>And more often than not, movement patterns require that multiple muscle groups to exercise whatever movement it is that you are trying to create.<\/p>\n<p>Functional training is also highly applicable to sports training. In fact, sport specific training and functional training can pretty much be utilized interchangeably.<\/p>\n<p>When you are participating in high level sports, your primary goal of ay off-court\/ice\/field conditioning is to improve your ability to perform the sport of choice.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, a football player is not going to be interested in how big his biceps are. Instead, he\u2019s going to be interested in how strong his chest, back, and shoulders are, which will enable him to toss the ball across the field.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, a marathon runner is not going to be interested in whether his quads have grown an inch. For him, the primary goal of his training is to delay the onset of muscular fatigue so that he can constantly travel the long distances required by his sport.<\/p>\n<p>These individuals will want to be performing <i>sports specific training<\/i>, which utilizes functional training exercises that mimic the movement patterns they use during their sport of choice.<\/p>\n<p>By doing so, they can become stronger in those movement patterns so that next time they are out playing, they put forth a superior athletic performance.<\/p>\n<p>Functional training, when done properly, is also a great way to reduce sports injuries.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, as a football player, being tackled is all part of the game. The stronger your core support is however, the harder you\u2019ll be able to tackle down to the ground because you\u2019ll simply be more stabilized on your feet.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-wcbig wp-image-150302213894\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.bioptimizers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Football Player\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/bigstock-Football-Player-48191534.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Functional training with lots of core work can help you achieve this. This in turn could result in you being moved in an undesirable manner, which would then lead to a serious potential injury as you are tackled to the ground.<\/p>\n<p>With functional training, there is great variety in the end goal. While with classic bodybuilder training, the end goal is usually always about the same \u2013 look better aesthetically, with functional training, what one person has as a goal may be completely different from that of another.<\/p>\n<p>Since it\u2019s all about improving <i>function<\/i> and each persona\u2019s <i>functions <\/i>will be different depending on what they are doing in their life, their program needs to be customized to meet their needs.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\"><b>Who Needs Functional Training?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So this brings us to the next point to discuss \u2013 who needs functional training?<\/p>\n<p>Who can benefit?<\/p>\n<p>In a word, just about <i>everyone.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Even those who are focusing on improving their aesthetic appearance should still be doing some degree of functional training as part of their program.<\/p>\n<p>If you aren\u2019t training functionally, you really aren\u2019t seeing much benefit <i>outside<\/i> of the gym. Even those who want to walk on stage at a fitness event still need to be able to carry in groceries out of the car, walk up a few flights of stairs without being winded, as well as prevent lower back pain that could plague them for the coming years of their life.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone can see transfer over benefits from the right functional strength training program into their day to day life.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the individuals who will see excellent benefits from including functional training in their workout routine include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Athletes who are training hard to excel at their sports<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Athletes who are currently injured and are looking to re-habilitate themselves so they can begin training<br>\n&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; again<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals who are looking to improve their energy level on a day to day basis<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Older adults who feel themselves growing weaker with age and want to regain former lost strength<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals who simply want to feel more athletic in their daily activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Just about everyone will benefit from adding functional training to their workout routine. And what\u2019s more is that due to the nature in which functional training is set-up, it will also be excellent for providing fat burning and muscle building benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, those who are looking for weight control can also benefit from including functional training exercises in their workout routine. This said, they may not get the aesthetic benefits that they would if they were performing conventional bodybuilding training, but there\u2019s no question that someone will look <i>better<\/i> upon including functional training in their workout routine.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s outline the main benefits functional training has to offer.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\"><b>Benefits Of A Good Functional Training Workout Routin<\/b><strong>e<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The benefits of functional training cannot be stated enough. When many people hear the term \u2018functional training\u2019, they tend to immediately think athlete or older adult who needs help maintaining their daily functioning capacities.<\/p>\n<p>And while, as illustrated above, both of these groups of people can highly benefit, they are not the only ones. With so many great benefits to be had from functional training, it\u2019s clear that it should be a part of all workout programming.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you stand to gain:<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Time efficient workout \u2013 most functional training workout routines can be performed in as little as 20-30 minutes, 3 times per week<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Improved rates of fat burning due to the compound nature of the lifts being utilized<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Increased cardiovascular benefits thanks to the structure of the workout program<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Improved muscular strength, leading to improved power output<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Increased lean muscle mass development, resulting in a higher resting metabolic rate<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Reduced risk of injuries, both sports\/exercise related as well as those related to daily activities<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Improved heart health (lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol)<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Decreased stress levels<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Fun workouts that are constantly changing<\/p>\n<p>\u00fc &nbsp;Stronger bones and a lower risk of suffering from osteoporosis<\/p>\n<p>Essentially any benefit you can get from a strength training workout program, you can also get from functional training as well.<\/p>\n<p>[sc name=&#8221;start-alert&#8221; ]<b>Also for you: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download the 12 Week To Doubling Your Energy course for FREE right now <\/a><script src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox-1019.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\" data-leadbox=\"1405d6a73f72a2:119220809b46dc\" data-url=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" data-config=\"%7B%7D\"><\/script>and learn the top strategies for lowering your stress level and improve your focus and concentration.[sc name=&#8221;end-alert&#8221; ]<\/p>\n<p>Now let\u2019s move forward and talk about the best exercises to be including in your functional training program.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\"><b>The Best Functional Training Exercises<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Exercise selection with functional training is all about analyzing movement patterns, as noted above.<\/p>\n<p>Rarely are you going to be performing isolation moves as they just don\u2019t mimic those activities done in daily activities.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, functional training strength training programs will revolve around compound lifts that utilize a number of muscle groups at once.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll perform exercises such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Squats<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deadlifts<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Push-ups<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pull-ups<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barbell shoulder presses<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bent over barbell rows<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Step-ups<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Walking lunges<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stair climbing<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uphill walking\/sprinting<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plank holds (for functional core strength)<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wood choppers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While this isn\u2019t to say that you cannot include <i>any<\/i> isolation exercises in a functional training program, they simply should not be the focus.<\/p>\n<p>At times, if one particular smaller muscle group is resulting in a lower performance on your functional based exercises, then adding the isolation exercise to this can help you later on improving your performance on that target functional exercise.<\/p>\n<p>Each isolation, less functional exercise you add <i>should have a purpose<\/i> in terms of improving functional purpose, even if it doesn\u2019t directly do so.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to sports specific training, often coaches who are highly trained and educated in the sport at hand will be your best advisors on what types of functional training you should be doing. If they have a background in both the sport as well as in personal training, they can guide you on the best exercises to do in the weight room to best complement the sport that you are trying to perform.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, a hockey player will want to work hard on improving his slap shot, which means having a very strong back and core. This will help him generate a high degree of force as he twists his back and brings the stick behind him before taking the slap shot.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, a basketball player will want to develop his vertical jumping skills, so for him, exercises such as box squats may be the better functional training exercise.<\/p>\n<p>He may also perform pause squats using moderately heavy weight and a fast tempo to rise upward, which will help strengthen his quads and improve his rebounding ability.<\/p>\n<p>(image of basketball player doing a jump shot)<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, without fully understanding the sport in question, it can be hard to develop a functional training program to match. Each movement pattern in the sport needs to be analyzed and then you need to think about which exercises will most work with those movement patterns.<\/p>\n<p>The basics \u2013 squats, push-ups, and deadlifts, will help just about any athlete as they are developing full body strength and power, however when you start getting a bit more intricate, that\u2019s where complete customization is key.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\"><b>Structuring Your Functional Strength Training Routine<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So all of this said, how do you go about structuring your strength training routine?<\/p>\n<p>There are a few questions that you need to look at as you develop the workout protocol.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What Energy Systems Are Being Utilized?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The first thing to look at is what energy systems are being utilized. A tennis player for instance, who performs a number of very short rounds in the sport would need to train differently than say a soccer player, who is constantly running throughout their session on the field.<\/p>\n<p>For the soccer player, the workout protocol developed would want to include higher rep, longer duration sets, while the tennis player may focus on maximum power, shorter duration sets.<\/p>\n<p>If the sport was more of an aerobic focused activity, the athlete would also likely want to be doing cardio training that mimicked that activity of choice.<\/p>\n<p>A soccer player could perform longer duration running for instance while a football player may get more involved in sprint training.<\/p>\n<p>[sc name=&#8221;start-alert&#8221; ]<b>Check It Out:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download the 12 Week To Doubling Your Energy course for FREE right now <\/a><script src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox-1019.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\" data-leadbox=\"1405d6a73f72a2:119220809b46dc\" data-url=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.leadpages.co\/leadbox\/1405d6a73f72a2%3A119220809b46dc\/5701241594183680\/\" data-config=\"%7B%7D\"><\/script>and learn the number one exercise for boosting heart health and burning fat at top speed.[sc name=&#8221;end-alert&#8221; ]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Is The Activity Repetitive?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The next question to look at is whether the activity in question is repetitive. Are you looking to just develop strength to do something once or do you need strength to do it multiple times over?<\/p>\n<p>For most \u2018lifestyle\u2019 functional training activities, it\u2019s just one rep that needs to be completed. You need to lift the box overhead just once or carry the groceries in from the car once per day (although there may be a couple of trips involved).<\/p>\n<p>In many sports training programs however, the activity is much more repetitive. A tennis player for instance is going to strike the ball multiple times before rest is given as they rally the ball back and forth.<\/p>\n<p>The more repetitive in nature the activity is, the higher the reps per set you should perform.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Is Sheer Strength Or Quickness Required?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Finally, the last thing to consider is whether you need sheer strength or quickness for your activity of choice.<\/p>\n<p>Some athletes for instance need to not just be strong, but be quick as well. It does a tennis player no good to be incredibly strong if they are slow to move and always miss the ball.<\/p>\n<p>When quickness is required, the <i>tempo<\/i> should be adjusted when going about the workout routine. Rather than saying lifting with a standard tempo of 3 seconds to lift the weight, a one to two second pause at the top, and then another three seconds to lower the weight, the tempo might be one second to lift the weight, a one second pause, and then three seconds to lower the weight.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>This will help the athlete develop that quick muscular contraction ability that will really enhance their performance.<\/p>\n<p>If, on the other hand, sheer strength is required, tempo likely won\u2019t be of concern. In that case, slowly lifting the weight up may be the best option as this will ensure maximum muscle fiber recruitment and prevent any momentum from being called into play.<\/p>\n<p>If you are looking to use functional training to improve your overall day to day capabilities, then chances are this is more along the lines of how you will be training.<\/p>\n<p>As you can hopefully see, there is no one-size-fits-all functional strength training workout routine. Instead, you need to take into account your specific needs, preferences, and what you are trying to accomplish.<\/p>\n<p>Then from there, you can put together a plan that will help you achieve the results that you are looking for.<\/p>\n<p>Your functional fitness training program will also likely change as you go through time. At some points you may be focusing on sport specific activities for instance and then a little while later, you may be more focused on doing what you can to sustain everyday functioning in real-life situations.<\/p>\n<p>As you age, functional training becomes increasingly important, but will take on a new light once again.<\/p>\n<p>So there you have the facts on functional training. It really is a smart way to train because it ensures that all the time you spend in your training routine is time well spent and is going to pay off over the long-haul.<\/p>\n<p>The last thing most people want is to be putting in hours in the gym each week without seeing any direct benefits other than how they look.<\/p>\n<p>Functional training ensures that the hard work is noticed and you not only look better every day, but <i>feel<\/i> better as well.<\/p>\n<p>What has been your experience with functional training? Comment and leave your thoughts about this style of training below.<\/p>\n<p>Want to learn more about how you can train your body properly and enhance your health? If so, you\u2019ll want to check out my complete course where I go over everything \u2013 fitness training, nutrition, and what you can do to keep your mind in top shape as well.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"accordions-150302308997\" class=\"accordions-150302308997 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;150302308997&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-150302308997\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"150302308997\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"150302308997\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1599813776095\" id=\"header-1599813776095\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1599813776095 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"What is functional fitness training?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1599813776095\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1599813776095\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">What is functional fitness training?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1599813776095 \">\r\n                <p>Functional training is all about strengthening whole body movement patterns. It\u2019s less about picking one specific muscle group and making it grow. And more often than not, movement patterns require multiple muscle groups to exercise whatever movement it is that you are trying to create. Functional strength training, as the name suggests, is physical training that helps you become more functional.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"150302308997\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1599813776420\" id=\"header-1599813776420\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1599813776420 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"What are examples of functional training?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1599813776420\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1599813776420\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">What are examples of functional training?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1599813776420 \">\r\n                <p>Functional strength training programs will revolve around compound lifts that utilize a number of muscle groups at once.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll perform exercises such as:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height: 1.8em;\">\n<li>Squats<\/li>\n<li>Deadlifts<\/li>\n<li>Push-ups<\/li>\n<li>Pull-ups<\/li>\n<li>Barbell shoulder presses<\/li>\n<li>Bent over barbell rows<\/li>\n<li>Step-ups<\/li>\n<li>Walking lunges<\/li>\n<li>Stair climbing<\/li>\n<li>Uphill walking\/sprinting<\/li>\n<li>Plank holds (for functional core strength)<\/li>\n<li>Wood choppers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"150302308997\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1599813776682\" id=\"header-1599813776682\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1599813776682 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Can you build muscle with functional training?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1599813776682\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1599813776682\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Can you build muscle with functional training?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1599813776682 \">\r\n                <p>Functional training builds a strong foundation for muscles to grow on by strengthening stabilizer muscles that support larger muscle movements. Functional training improves muscular strength and increases lean muscle mass.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"150302308997\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1599813776906\" id=\"header-1599813776906\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1599813776906 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"How do you do functional training at home?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1599813776906\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1599813776906\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">How do you do functional training at home?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1599813776906 \">\r\n                <p>Functional training can be achieved at home without any equipment. Some examples include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height: 1.8em;\">\n<li>Squats<\/li>\n<li>Push-ups<\/li>\n<li>Walking lunges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When some people walk into the gym, the number one thing they want to accomplish is a better looking body. They are training for aesthetic purposes only. They want to&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":150302213902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-150302213892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is Functional Training? \u2013 An Introduction To The Benefits Of Functional Exercise - BIOptimizers Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Functional training is a great way to train that can help you reduce sports injuries, improve strength, and help you integrate sport specific training into your workout\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/functional-training-introduction-benefits-functional-exercise\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Functional Training? 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