Written By: Mickey Mehta | Published : September 30, 2015 2:59 PM IST
Functional training is one of the best ways to get fit and toned. You can practically do it anywhere and you don t always need equipment for it. With several benefits to offer, this form of exercise is recommended for most people. Leading global holistic health guru Mickey Mehta explains what it is all about.
What is functional training?
Functional training involves exercises that are akin to activities or common movements that you might do at home or at work. It involves a combination of exercises targeted to strengthen your core muscles, leg muscles and upper body. When performed correctly and if done under guidance, it can lead to better joint stability, flexibility, balance and agility. It is also used in rehabilitation and occupational therapy to help patients with physical and motor disorders. The exercises are designed to emulate work done at home and could include lifting objects or endurance building, so that they can adapt to performing such activities easily.
Exercises include weight bearing exercises and stretches to stabilise the core muscles of the abdomen and the lower back, to improve balance, flexibility and agility without injury and strain. Also read - 5 simple home workouts.
Benefits of functional training
Exercises like lunges, squats, push-ups, step ups with light weights, bicep curls, leg kicks, side stretch/bends, standing calf raises, hamstring and quad stretch, abs crunches, planks, side planks, twists are a few easy exercises one can do.
These exercises are simple and recreational and also help alleviate the boredom of following the same routine on a daily basis. Equipments like kettle-bells, fitness or medicine balls, Swiss balls, resistance tubes, light dumbbells, ladders etc. are commonly used for these exercises for adding variation. Also read - Exercises for a flat tummy.
Are functional exercises recommended for everyone?
Yes, anybody can do these exercises. Caution must be followed if you are above 40 years of age, or if you have not exercised for a long time or if you have any health/back/knee problems or if you are pregnant. It is ideal to do them under expert guidance and supervision initially and it is advised that you check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. Begin with your own body weight for resistance and progress to the use of equipments only after you become comfortable with the exercise schedule and its intensity.
Make exercise an integral part of your lifestyle and make it interesting in order to sustain the activity. Exercises that are creative and interesting help stimulate and motivate you. With adequate discipline, consistency and support or guidance you will begin to enjoy the benefits. Also read - Exercises without equipments.
Image source: Shutterstock
For more articles on fitness, visit our fitness section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For health related queries visit our Q&A section.
