What is functional training?
Functional training is a targeted training regimen that works on increasing performance of an activity or sport. It is specific and has purpose. Functional training requires a thorough understanding of the human body, how it moves, and the technical aspects of the activity. For instance, technically a good golf swing requires that you have good trunk rotation. A functional training program for golfers would include specific drills and exercises that develop the necessary trunk rotation for a good golf swing. Without a clear understanding of the technical aspects of the activity and what muscles, joints, and movements are involved in the particular activity, functional training is impossible. Functional training can be applied to any activity from throwing a baseball to running marathons and climbing stairs to something as simple as picking up the newspaper in the morning. Functional training, if done properly with knowledgeable instructors is an efficient and effective way of getting better at what you do.
Physical Therapists spend a lifetime using functional training. Functional training takes into account an individual’s current physical abilities, limitations, and needs. Functional training starts with specific testing, to measure things like coordination, balance, and individual movement patterns. The testing identifies strengths, weaknesses, and inefficiencies which then determine where the training needs to go. The training is focused on improving the quality of the desired movement or activity. It’s smart exercise. It has purpose and an efficiency that just makes sense.
This is what we do at Baudry Therapy Center! Have a desire to start doing the things you used to be able to do? Talk to us about your functional training needs.
Try functional training… for fitness… for life!