A DYSFUNCTIONAL MISSUNDERSTANDING

“Functional training” is a very common used term in the fitness industry today and almost every workout is said to be “functional training” (causing an inflation in the term, similar to the “core training”-hype).

But what exactly is “functional training”? Is it a one legged squat combined with a shoulder press while at the same time balancing on a BOSU-ball?

Sometimes it seems like all exercises that are multi-joint are automatically functional and the harder and more complex the exercise is, the better (more “functional”) it is for you. While I agree that complex exercises are good to promote presence and engagement in the exercise, and multi-joint movements is often how we use our body in daily life, I think it's time to clarify that the degree of functionality of any given exercise comes down to the ability, movement and skill level of the individual performing it.

That makes even workout machines (normally not my preference in a training regime) working isolating, single-joint, possibly the most appropriate choice for an individual IF current state, ability, movement and skill level demands it.

In other words, in order for an exercise to be functional in the true sense of the word, the exercise has to be right for the individual performing it, with all body parts and muscles contributing and functioning in proper sequence to create the desired result/movement/force/skill – call it integrated training.

So instead of turning workouts in to minor circus numbers (like the BOSU-ball example above), making sure the exercises aren't doing more bad than good is key and the hunt for a perceived “functional” workout should never overshadow what's truly a good choice (functional/effective/beneficial choice – call it whatever) for the individual.

Stay tuned - future posts on the functional movement-topic will follow!