Weekly Newsletter 2/6/25- Our Take On Functional Training

If you've spent any time in the fitness space, you have probably come across the term "functional training". But what exactly is functional training? Some might describe it as monkeying around on an upside-down Bosu Ball or some other ridiculous exercise that doesn't serve a purpose. What makes an exercise functional?
To fully explain this, I first want to explore a few things that happen to the human body throughout the aging process. Around age thirty, muscle and bone mass reaches its peak. For every year after, muscle and bone mass begin to deteriorate slowly. At first, this happens gradually. Then more rapidly as age increases. I believe that functional training is any training that will aid in slowing and reversing this process. 
So, what exactly reverses the process of muscle and bone loss?
The answer.... Strength Training. 
What is strength training? Over the years, the concept of strength training has been misconstrewed. Some of you may have even attended a group class where the heaviest weight in sight was less than twenty pounds, but the session was still labeled as "strength training". The truth is that isn't strength training at all. Strength training can be defined as any training that progressively challenges the body through increased load or exercise difficulty. 
What makes strength training so functional?
Simple... It challenges the body to a level that everyday life doesn't. 
Humans as a race are facing new challenges that our ancestors did not have to grapple with. We live in a developed society, have access to better medical care (in most cases), and don't have the same physical demands that we used to. Most Americans take less than 5,000 steps per day. This creates a problem. Our healthcare systems have created treatments that can keep us alive longer. But, without activity, our physical body has a hard time keeping up. 
It is vital to focus on building strength to retain our independence as we age. Every year after thirty, our bodies' clocks are slowly ticking. To slow the breakdown process, we need to build strong muscles and bones that can support us for the extra years we live compared to our ancestors. 
So how can you truly functionally train?
Get really strong. Spend time lifting your bodyweight, dumbbells, barbells, machines or any other modality you can think of. Then, over time, progress those movements and get better at them. Being strong is the most functional thing you can do for your body. If you take the time to build strength your current and older self will thank you. 

Are you interested in "functional training" done right? We offer a free No Sweat Intro Session that allows you to meet with one of our qualified coaches to discuss your goals and how we can help. We can provide a program completely tailored to your goals that helps you get the most out of your time in the gym. Click the link below to schedule your free session with one of our coaches today.
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