This may be surprising to some but functional training is the ability to improve one’s ability and capacity to perform certain activities.
Simple right?
Social media and your favourite glamorous fitness stars love making this definition complicated taking the functionality aspect quite literally and doing movements such as your classic rotator cuff dumbbell rotations without looking at the physics of the movement.
Real functional strength is understanding that all movement is functional. The movement itself is function, a squat is functional at different levels for different purposes. For example, a jump squat can improve one’s capacity with their vertical and explosiveness off the ground. A below-parallel squat can improve a strength athlete's capacity to consistently hit depth, a rule that’s a part of their sport. An ATG squat can improve a person's ability to find a new range which is critical for joint health.
All of these movements are functional! Each serves its purpose for different individuals.
But… that’s not all.
Are machines functional?! Most people perceive this as a non-functional movement since “real life” provides no external stability, so why should we train with it?
The funniest thing is, stability isn’t the only factor of functionality. Strength, muscle, and movement range are also important factors that people do not consider. Guess what?! Machines allow you to achieve all aspects of functionality more easily and in many cases with more specificity.
Which exercise is easier to improve your overhead range of motion? A standing overhead barbell press that requires you to stabilize your spine yourself or a machine shoulder press that has back support and stable handles in which you can focus on improving your overhead range more attentively?
This is functionality! All movements are equally good and less good depending on context.
As always If you have any questions, feel free to reach me on our website or social media!
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