Functional strength training refers to a type of exercise that focuses on developing strength, stability, and mobility in movements that mimic real-life activities.
Rather than isolating specific muscles, functional strength training targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting overall body functionality.
Here are some benefits of functional strength training for everyday life:
1. Improved overall functionality: Functional strength training emphasizes movements that are practical and useful for daily activities. By training the body to perform these movements with strength and stability, you enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks more efficiently and with less risk of injury. Whether it’s lifting heavy objects, carrying groceries, or bending down to tie your shoes, functional strength training can help you move with ease and confidence.
2. Increased muscle balance and coordination: Functional exercises often involve engaging multiple muscle groups and joints in a coordinated manner. This type of training improves muscle balance and coordination, enhancing your ability to perform complex movements and maintain proper body alignment. It can help prevent muscle imbalances that may arise from repetitive or sedentary movements, reducing the risk of injury and promoting better overall body mechanics.
3.Inhanced core strength and stability: Functional strength training places significant emphasis on core strength. The core muscles include the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and hips, which are essential for maintaining stability and proper posture. Strengthening the core muscles through functional exercises not only improves balance and stability but also helps alleviate back pain and improves overall spinal alignment.
4. Injury prevention: By improving muscle balance, coordination, and overall functionality, functional strength training can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in daily life. Stronger muscles and joints provide better support and stability during movements, reducing the likelihood of strains, sprains, and other common injuries. Moreover, functional exercises often involve movements in multiple planes of motion, preparing your body for the challenges and unpredictability of daily activities.
5. Increased bone density: Functional strength training, particularly weight-bearing exercises, can help increase bone density. Engaging in activities that put stress on the bones, such as lifting weights or performing bodyweight exercises, stimulates the body to produce more bone tissue, leading to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis or fractures.
6. Improved functional independence with aging: Functional strength training becomes even more critical as we age. It helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and joint mobility, which naturally decline with age. By incorporating functional exercises into your routine, you can enhance your ability to perform daily activities independently and maintain a higher quality of life as you grow older.
Remember to consult with a qualified fitness professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. They can guide you in creating a tailored functional strength training program that suits your specific needs and goals.
As one of our tools at the Trinity Wellness Center, we are starting to offer twice a month a free women’s wellness support group to the local community, where our trainer Jake gives us a 15-minute Functional Strength Workout for women of all abilities, and ages, and sizes so that they can empower their everyday living with strength!
Get yourself a free simple Functional Strength Workout plan that you can start implementing today!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at info@trinitywellnesscenterms.com
