Are you feeling bored or unmotivated in the gym? Has your progress stagnated? Do you want to mix up your workouts? Functional training might be the answer.
Functional training means working out in a way that benefits your body outside of the gym. Some forms of functional training include:
- Weighted exercises using sleds, medicine balls, battle ropes and kettlebells
- Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Bodyweight resistance training, including using resistance bands
Besides being a great way to kill gym boredom, functional workouts have so many benefits. Read on to find out how functional training can turn you into a ninja weapon both in the gym and in your everyday life.
The best of both worlds
Whether you’re a cardio fiend or a diehard weightlifter, functional training can be worked into almost any training routine. For example, you could add a burnout HIIT session after lifting, or incorporate full-body resistance exercises like burpees or push-ups between cardio.
By introducing more variety to your workouts, you increase your potential to burn fat and/or build muscle. This makes your workouts more well-rounded and minimises the risk of having any gaps in your routine.
That’s not to say every workout has to be a combination of cardio and weights. You could instead opt to add in different days with functional training. For example, three days of lifting and two days of plyometric workouts each week.
Increased flexibility
Functional training usually involves moving your entire body. By introducing a larger range of motion, you’re improving your overall flexibility. This is particularly beneficial for anyone who lifts weights, as movement during those workouts can focus more on isolated muscles and muscle groups.
Mobility is an often overlooked aspect of training, but it’s incredibly important for any style of workouts. Doing more functional exercises is a great way to get all of your joints moving more often, which reduces the risk of injury
Benefits outside of the gym
The best benefit of functional training is how well it transfers to life when you’re not at the gym. This makes it an incredibly useful way to exercise, especially for those looking to improve their overall health and fitness rather than just aesthetics.
You might notice the skills and muscle memory you’ve built in the gym transferring directly to real-life situations. Whether that’s getting all your heavy grocery bags upstairs, being able to balance better while standing on the tram, or simply a noticeable improvement in your posture, the many practical applications of functional training are easy to see.
Functional training is designed to help you in real-life, so why not incorporate it into your workout routine? Check out our full range of functional training equipment, or contact us to find the best equipment for you.