Function - Part 1

What is Function? - Part 1

‘Functional’ seems to be the buzzword these days in the fitness world. So what exactly is functional training? At its most basic level, we can define functional training as physical training geared towards improving ability of the trainee to perform their daily activities. So if you’re deconditioned, the ability to walk up stairs or carry groceries in from the car, and training geared towards improving these activities, could be functional training for you. On the other hand, if you’re a navy SEAL, your definition of function might broaden a bit. Obviously, our definition of function will largely depend on the population we’re dealing with.

When we think of functional training, we probably think of a personal trainer at the gym doing a 1-leg squat on a balance beam to 1-arm lateral raise or something like that. But really, we have to include many, many types of exercises in the category of functional. Cardio respiratory endurance will improve our ability to function in everyday activities effectively. So will increasing our strength levels, flexibility, balance, etc. So in a sense, many types of training will improve our everyday function – but our goal is to find the exercises that will accomplish this goal in the most effective and efficient way possible.

I really like the CrossFit definition of function. According to CrossFit, to define an exercise as functional, we must move a heavy weight over a long distance quickly. This definition automatically eliminates many traditional exercises – neither a bicep curl or a lateral raise do any of these things. Neither do almost any machine exercise. An example of a ‘functional’ exercise is the CrossFit ‘thruster’ – a front squat, performed with either dumbbells or a barbell, to an overhead press. This is an exercise that involves many major muscle groups, moves a heavy weight (relative to the lifter’s strength levels), does it over a long distance, and does it quickly.

The great thing about training this way is we train for and accomplish many other goals most of us have – losing body fat, gaining muscle, burning more calories, increasing our cardio endurance, strength levels, and flexibility – all in the process! Stay tuned for Part 2 for some more specific examples of exercises and workouts!