Wilderness Sports Conditioning
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Wilderness Sports Conditioning |
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More Training Info > Functional Strength Training Functional Strength TrainingQ: What exactly do you mean by "functional strength training?" Can you do "functional strength training" using machines? A: Functional strength training refers to specific exercises that most closely replicate and enhance the activities you want to do outside in the three-dimensional world. Training legs by doing hamstring curls and leg extensions is not "functional" because unless you are kicking very heavy footballs or lying prone on a gurney resisting a doctor, the machine movements do not replicate any actual sport activity. You'd get more functional strength performing squats, dips, step-ups, or walking lunges that challenge the whole body to control and balance the weight in three-dimensional space, rather than letting the machines do all of that for you. Please remember, though, that the best way to train for your sport is -- to do that sport! A supplemental weight lifting program that includes strengthening exercises specifically chosen for your activity can help you 1) prevent or reduce relative muscle imbalances, 2) enhance your ability to perform your activity, 3) increase your resting metabolic rate and help you burn excess fat (remember, muscle is active tissue, fat is inert), and 4) increase bone density, (especially important for women) thereby preventing future suffering from osteoporosis. By no means are we saying that all machines are evil (though you will seldom, if ever, catch us on them!) They can be helpful in teaching new exercisers about strength training and generally are easier for the novice to learn to use. However, our active, goal-oriented clients who row, run, bike, climb, swim, etc. and who want to increase their performance in a given activity will be much better served training the specific movement patterns they need to be stronger in their favorite activities. Examples include high step-ups for those crossing over rocky, steep mountain terrain; triceps dips for those involved in mantle movements on rock climbs; pullups for climbers; lunges and dips for telemark skiers. |
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