| Functional Training is based upon exercises using | | | | testosterone and growth hormone is released during |
| bands, stability balls, free weights and other | | | | a multi-joint exercise. An example is a bicep curl |
| equipment that will challenge a person's core strength, | | | | verses a pull-up. The pull-up would be a better option |
| balance and involve multiple muscle groups. Functional | | | | for building muscle mass in a shorter time since more |
| training differs significantly from using machines since | | | | testosterone is released and more muscles are used. |
| in most cases machines do not challenge a client's | | | | Since isolated movements only focus on one muscle, |
| balance or core strength. Weight training with | | | | they may not be beneficial for people who need |
| machines can sometimes involve isolated or single | | | | results as quickly as possible. |
| joint movements that do not incorporate more than | | | | Weight training with machines also has its advantages. |
| one specific muscle at a time. Functional training often | | | | People who are beginners and have not exercised |
| involves compound movements using two or more | | | | before may benefit from using machines. This is |
| muscles at the same time. | | | | because someone who is an inexperienced weight |
| Exercising using functional movements has grown in | | | | lifter might not be advanced enough to begin using |
| popularity over the last several years since fitness | | | | free weights. This is because free weights have a |
| experts have implemented it into client's exercise | | | | free range of motion and machines have a fixed |
| programs. Physical therapists have used functional | | | | range of motion. Machines will help a novice |
| training when helping with injury recovery in | | | | weightlifter keep the form of a specific exercise. |
| rehabilitation programs. This has helped clients in | | | | Functional training with free weights might need more |
| physical therapy programs recover from the injuries | | | | guidance and coaching since the form of the exercise |
| properly and return to work in an appropriate amount | | | | is not predetermined. |
| of time. | | | | Weight training with machines might also be beneficial |
| Personal trainers have incorporated functional training | | | | for a person who is injured. Machines could be a |
| into client's workouts since it is a beneficial concept | | | | safer way to prevent injuring a person further. For |
| of working multiple muscle groups simultaneously. | | | | example, a person with a rotator cuff injury might |
| Research shows this may help a client reach fitness | | | | not be ready to use free weights because the range |
| goals faster, rather than focusing on single joint | | | | of motion could be contraindicated. The person could |
| exercises. Functional training can be a way to | | | | have limited shoulder mobility and the risk of injury |
| improve someone's balance, core strength and | | | | could increase while using free weights. Machines |
| possible risk of injury. Improving balance is a key | | | | could be a safer alternative for preventing injuries |
| factor in preventing falling in everyday life or in | | | | due to its preset form. |
| sports. Training using functional movements may help | | | | The debate remains which type of training is more |
| to improve a person's balance so they are less likely | | | | effective. In my experience, I believe a combination |
| to fall and get injured. | | | | is needed to achieve fitness benefits. Fitness experts |
| Since people want to get the maximum benefit out | | | | should know which type of training is the most |
| of the exercise program that is designed for them, | | | | suitable based on a client's exercise history. Every |
| functional training is a great way to exercise many | | | | client needs to be treated differently based on |
| muscles groups at once. Isolated movements are not | | | | injuries and individual goals. Strength training with |
| highly effective since one muscle is exercised at a | | | | machines and functional training both serve a purpose. |
| given time. Research shows training several muscle | | | | People on all levels of a fitness program should |
| groups at once will help someone achieve fitness | | | | consult with a fitness expert to find out which type |
| goals faster. Multi-joint exercises help the entire body | | | | of training is most effective for them. |
| build muscle more efficiently. This is because more | | | | |