Search:

Home / Fitness


What is Functional Strength Training and How To Implement It

By: Richard Black

There has been a recent trend in the world of physical fitness. Perhaps you have heard the popular term "functional strength training". One way to explain what is meant by functional strength training is to say it is a term for exercising each muscle group for strength in order to perform every day activities in an easier fashion.

Improving daily movements with the muscles you use for everyday activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lifting, pulling, and pushing, among others. You begin to increase your functional strength by following a fun and easy routine right in the comfort and security of your home.

No need to go to the gym or to use fancy equipment. Working at home also means that no one is looking at how you are dressed or how much you can do. As with most exercise regimens, variation in your routine will help to keep you engaged and upbeat.

When you are actively present in the moment you will have more fun. Hey, you might even find yourself smiling. A sample five day plan could include a day for each of the following, aerobic training using stair steps and jogging, the next day you might have a day of stretching with yoga.

There are plenty of DVDs on the market that you may use to follow along. Then take a day of rest followed by resistance training, and a day that includes Pilates. Fancy equipment is not necessary.

Repetitions of daily movements may be all one needs to get started on a functional strength training program. While waiting for the coffee to brew in the morning, use the counter to do a few pushups might be an easy way for you to incorporate bicep, tricep and shoulder strength into your day. Squats and lunges could be worked into your day.

There is no need to set aside an entire hour or more at one time. Functional strength training can be completed daily in short bursts throughout the day. Just remember to use everyday activities and repeat repetitionss to build strength.

Proper nutrition along with the all of the above will bring about positive changes in your overall health. You will find your energy levels skyrocketing. Even the blahs seem to fade as you become stronger and healthier. Another side benefit is good posture.

And with good posture follows good bones. Functional strength training is a fun and simple way to increase strength, flexibility, balance, agility, and speed.
So, if you are having difficulty pulling clothing out of the washer to put it in the dryer, if it seems to be a challenge to reach that can off the top shelf, or lifting the heaviest grocery bags has become the dreaded chore, there is a place for functional strength training in your life. Walk up the steps instead of riding the elevator.

When you go to the store for groceries, park at the back of the lot for a few added steps in your day, then leave the cart in the store and carry your own groceries out. Hold a can of veggies and pump your arms up and down, and back and forth. Find opportunities to work out in everyday activities. Have fun with it. Good health and best wishes.

Article Source: http://www.bluearticles.com


Richard Black helps people learn about strength training tips
at his website on strength training tips.

Additional Articles From - Home / Fitness
Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service


Free Articles
Cooks Recipes