Why Functional Strength Is The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to bring in all your groceries at once or noticed discomfort in your back after picking up a child, you understand just how important functional strength is.

Unlike traditional strength training that focuses only on how much weight you can lift, functional strength training is the ability to do everyday activities easily and safely, without risking injury and improves your overall quality of life.

Let’s see why functional strength is not just a fitness trend but a transformative journey that everyone should embrace.

Key Takeaways

1. Functional strength training prepares your body for everyday tasks, not just for looks.

2. This training can help prevent problems like lower back pain by improving strength and flexibility.

3. As we get older, functional strength helps us stay active and lowers our chances of getting hurt, so we can stay independent.

4. Doing exercises with the right form and being consistent is often more important than lifting heavy weights for real-life strength.

Functional Strength vs. Traditional Bodybuilding

Many traditional gym workouts focus on one muscle at a time. For example, a bicep curl only works the arm. Functional strength is different because:

• It focuses on how you move, not just the muscle size.

• It mimics activities like squatting, reaching and pulling.

• It emphasizes core stability and balance.

• It engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Who Benefits Most?

It's important to know who can benefit from functional strength training classes. Various groups can gain a lot by adding functional strength to their routines.

Busy Parents:

Lifting toddlers or heavy strollers often requires strength in awkward positions. Building functional strength can protect your spine and increase your energy for daily activities.

Older Adults:

As we get older, it’s important to focus on balance and bone strength. Functional strength training can help decrease the risk of falls and keep joints flexible. This support allows seniors to live safely at home.

Office Workers:

Sitting for long periods can lead to "gluteal amnesia," where the glute muscles don’t activate. Focusing on functional strength can help improve posture and relieve aches by including movements that counteract the effects of sitting.

The Foundations of Movement

Functional movements are simple yet important and can be grouped into six categories

• Squatting: This movement is like sitting down and standing up.

• Hinging: Bending down to pick something up.

• Pushing: Think about opening a heavy door or pushing a cart.

• Pulling: This is similar to starting a lawnmower or carrying a suitcase.

• Rotating: Turning to look behind you while driving is an example of rotation.

• Walking: Climbing stairs and walking are basic movements we do every day.

How to Spot "Fake" Functional Training

Not every workout claiming to be "functional" is safe or effective. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• If a program focuses more on flashy moves than on practical exercises, it might not give you the benefits you need.

• Rushing through workouts without paying attention to your form can cause injuries instead of helping you build strength.

• If you feel joint pain during a workout, something is likely wrong.

• Balance training can be helpful, but using BOSU balls too much can have negative effects.

How to Start Your Routine

1. Check how flexible you are. Can you easily touch your toes or balance on one leg? These tests can help you create your workout plan.

2. Focus on doing each movement correctly before adding weights. Prioritize doing it right over doing more.

3. Use kettlebells, resistance bands, or your own body weight to challenge your muscles effectively.

4. Don’t stick to basic exercises. Include rotations and side-to-side movements to build overall strength.

5. Aim to work out regularly with shorter sessions. Working out for 20 minutes, three times a week is often better than doing one long workout occasionally.

Finally, remember that functional strength training is about creating resilience in your body. It teaches you how to move efficiently and safely, which is crucial not just in the gym but in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Functional strength training enhances daily life and supports independence at any age. It focuses on practical movements to prevent injuries and build resilience. Whether you're a busy parent or working a desk job, this training can make a big difference.

If you're ready to start functional strength training, join meVsme. We are a supportive health community in New South Wales, Australia, created specifically for women. We offer personal training, functional strength training, and yoga sessions. Join us on this transformative journey and experience the countless benefits of functional strength in your daily life!