Are You Functionally Strong?

There are various reasons why you may be starting to consider the need to lift weights. Some of our clients start to improve their physique, others want to become bodybuilders, more are training for a specific sport or event, and still others just want to burn fat. Lifting weights always reminds us of bodybuilders first because that is how they spend a majority of their time working out. But training is about so much more than building bigger muscles and looking good in a competition. For the most part, it isn’t about becoming a better athlete in terms of strength, speed, or endurance.
 
Functional training helps a person become better at doing their daily activities. You become stronger with all your movements, so that lifting heavy loads isn’t such a burden. You train so that you can lift your groceries or your children with ease. This type of training focuses a lot on your core muscles, because those are the muscles used most in your daily routine.
 
So what does it take to be functionally strong? Well, to be extremely simple – not much! Basic compound exercises and lifts can make you extremely strong from a functional standpoint, and lots of lower body strength, core stability, and upper-body joint and tendon strength are essential. There are a few sure-fire ways to become functionally strong!
 
Get Off the Weight Machines

 
If you want to start performing functional training, it’s best to stay off of the weight machines. Weight machines limit your range of motion. Free weights are a better choice. The movements mimic ones that you would actually do during your day. Dumbbells are a great choice for weights. Use them in combination with compound exercises like squats, lunges, shoulder presses, and more that require the use of multiple muscle groups at one time.
 
Develop that Core

 
Core muscles are often neglected in working out, but they are essential for every task you perform. They are stabilizer muscles which help keep you upright (improved posture) and improve balance. They allow you to use your other muscles more effectively in your arms and legs. The core consists of your back and abdominal muscles and there are others that are deeper such as the tranverse abdominis. Core strength is essential to the well-being of your entire body, and any added core strength will significantly help you complete daily physical tasks! 

This article was written by Bobby DeMuro, the Founder and Chairman of FusionSouth. FusionSouth is the premier mobile fitness firm in Charlotte, specializing in personal training and sports conditioning. You can find out more about them here www.fusionsouth.com