FITNESS By Design

Although the term “functional training” has become increasingly popular in the sport and fitness industry, the use of the term is somewhat deceiving. The intent of so called “functional training” is to perform movements that mimic movements performed during daily life. The thought is that these “functional” exercises carry over to our normal movements in daily living. However, the scientific research in the area of motor learning and control definitively indicates that strength training movements that attempt to mimic everyday movements do NOT carry over to everyday movements. Stronger muscles make daily life easier, more efficient, etc. but the mimicking of these movements while training is not necessary. Instead, exercisers should strengthen the muscles that are used to perform the specific movement in the most effective manner possible. Consider a running example: A functional training advocate would suggest that because running is an activity performed on one’s feet, we should perform lunges (an exercise for the thighs and glutes) as they too are performed while standing. In truth, the runners goal should be to strengthen these muscles in the most effective means possible, which often involves sitting on a leg extension, leg curl or leg press machine. The movements are different than running (as the exerciser is clearly not on her feet) but the leg muscles are strengthened and this improved strength transfers to running – not the neuro-muscular pattern of the strength training exercise. Unfortunately, functional training will continue to grow in popularity as many health club chains and fitness certification associations espouse the alleged benefits of this type of training.

by Luke Carlson – Discover Strength