Thu. September 6, 2012
By Michael Elder
It is also important to mention that functional training can be risky because of the difficulty in spotting multi- joint movements, the use of higher speeds, and the incorporation of unstable environments to train balance and coordination (stability balls and balance boards). Careful instruction is mandatory and care should be taken at all times to perform the movements correctly.
One of the great benefits of functional training is the emphasis of core stabilization (challenging the abdominal and back muscles to hold the spine in the appropriate position during movement of the extremities). Since the core is involved in almost every movement made in everyday life, work, and sport, functional training is a great tool to utilize. It places demand on both active and stabilizing muscles of the abdominals and back. This combined with traditional core training will insure that you are covering all of your bases. More than any other muscle group, it is highly important to have a strong and stable core.
So do I think that functional training is a valid form of training? Yes, absolutely. Is it the only form of training that I use? No, definitely not. I would say that functional training comprises about 20% of my overall training as well as my clients'. Others trainers use it more than me and others use it less. Functional training is most valuable to athletes who are training to become proficient in their selective sports. By training the specific movement patterns of their chosen sport, they are sure enhance their performance. For the general fitness enthusiast, it has been known to provide excitement and variety to their routines. The unique and fun quality that functional training provides can be a strong motivating factor to keep people training on an ongoing basis. And as my gymnastics coach used to say to me, "Once you start, you don't stop!"
Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last thirteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be contacted directly through his website, www.MichaelElder.com.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com