Trainers clash over functional training methods. How do you choose the right approach for maximum results?
When it comes to functional training, there's a hot debate among fitness experts about which methods yield the best results. This form of exercise focuses on training your body for the activities performed in daily life, rather than just for appearance. With various schools of thought advocating different approaches, you might find yourself caught in a crossfire of opinions, each promising peak performance and efficiency. The key is to navigate through these contrasting perspectives to find a functional training regimen that aligns with your personal goals, abilities, and interests.
Every trainer comes with their own set of beliefs and experiences that shape their functional training methodologies. Some may prioritize bodyweight exercises that enhance natural movements, while others might incorporate specialized equipment to target specific muscle groups. As you explore different expert opinions, remember that what works for one individual might not be the best for another. It's essential to critically evaluate the reasoning behind each method and consider how it applies to your unique situation.
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George Hearn
Physical Therapist-Health, Wellness and Fitness Consultant and Contractor
Agreed: the reason for an exercise is more important than its classification. For example: almost everyone considers deadlifts to be a functional exercise but bicep curls or front raises less so. Deadlifts involve lifting weight from the ground, which is a functional activity that needs to be trained. But say the activity you are doing is lifting a box from waist height to shoulder height. Depending on the shelf levels, this might involve slight elbow flexion to initiate the lift (bicep curl), followed by shoulder flexion to get the box to the next shelf (front raise). For this activity, bicep curls and front raises are more functional than deadlifts. Always have the objective of your exercise in mind. Any training can be functional!
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Danilo Guerra
Profissional de Educação Física
Não vejo o treinamento funcional como exercícios específicos ou métodos mirabolantes de treino, mas sim como um modelo de pensamento onde a escolha dos exercícios, por exemplo, é baseada nas necessidades do aluno, por mais que isso vá contra um método específico. Por exemplo, a calistenia é um ótimo método de treinamento, mas se um aluno precisa de treinos com pesos para atingir seus objetivos específicos, isso se torna mais funcional para ele.
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Ashish Devrani
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- Evaluate each method's alignment with your specific fitness goals to ensure it meets your objectives. - Review scientific evidence and research supporting the effectiveness of the different functional training methods. - Consider your current fitness level and any pre-existing conditions to determine the safest approach. - Seek feedback from individuals who have experienced both methods to gauge real-world effectiveness. - Consult with a diverse range of fitness professionals to gather varied perspectives and expert opinions. - Test both approaches in a trial period to personally assess which yields the best results for you.
Your personal fitness goals are paramount when choosing a functional training approach. If you're aiming to improve your athletic performance, you might lean towards plyometrics and agility drills. On the other hand, if your objective is to build strength for daily tasks like lifting groceries or playing with your kids, exercises mimicking these actions would be more beneficial. Understanding your endgame will guide you in selecting the training techniques that are most relevant and effective for you.
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Danilo Guerra
Profissional de Educação Física
Os objetivos do treino sempre serão baseados tanto nas necessidades quanto nas metas pessoais do aluno, pois muitas vezes são distintos e ambos precisam ser trabalhados. Por exemplo, se o aluno deseja melhorar sua força, esse é seu objetivo principal. No entanto, ao identificar, por meio de testes de campo, um baixo condicionamento cardiovascular que pode influenciar diretamente na performance dos treinos de força, sugiro ao aluno um trabalho tanto cardiovascular quanto de força, pensando nos objetivos e nas necessidades dele.
A crucial aspect of functional training is developing a keen body awareness. This means being attuned to how your body moves and responds to different exercises. Pay attention to your form, breathing, and how each movement feels. If a certain method causes discomfort or doesn't feel quite right, it may not be the ideal choice for you. Trusting your body's signals can prevent injury and lead to more successful outcomes.
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Markus Kneissl
Build a fortune of health | Founder’s #1 Functional Fitness Guide | Co-founder @ The Energy Lab
Body awareness. Proprioception. Mindful movement. I call this "beyond movement" You feel the sensations. You know what they mean. You know yourself and understand your body. An invaluable skill in times when people are more disconnected from their bodies than at any point in history.
Embracing variety and adaptability in your training can prevent plateaus and keep your workouts engaging. Functional training isn't one-size-fits-all; it's dynamic and should evolve with your fitness level and interests. Mixing up your routine with different exercises, intensities, and equipment can challenge your body in new ways and lead to continuous improvement.
Consistency is the cornerstone of any effective training program, functional or otherwise. Regardless of the method you choose, it's the regular application of that method that will produce results. Ensure that the approach you select is one you can stick with long-term. This might mean finding a balance between challenging exercises and those you genuinely enjoy.
Lastly, personalization is key in functional training. While it's valuable to listen to expert advice and consider general best practices, tailoring your workout to fit your specific needs, limitations, and preferences is what will ultimately make it sustainable and effective. Don't be afraid to modify exercises or create a hybrid approach that combines elements from various training methods to best suit your lifestyle.
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Danilo Guerra
Profissional de Educação Física
Sem dúvida, um planejamento personalizado terá papel importante na evolução do aluno. Além de definir as metas e objetivos, a escolha dos exercícios não é o único ponto crucial, mas também o volume do treino, intensidade e a relação do indivíduo com esses estímulos. É essencial que haja uma boa adaptação para que os resultados sejam alcançados sem lesões. Somente com um trabalho personalizado isso é possível, pois todos esses parâmetros mudam ao longo do treinamento e precisam ser ajustados para garantir uma evolução contínua.
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