Functional Training
Functional Training is the use of exercises that mimic every day activities that we do, however we must wonder; do we perform these activities correctly or in the most efficient manner? One of the purposes of functional training is to improve our performance in everyday life in order to avoid injury and allow for greater activities throughout the day.
Furthermore, the nature of functional training allows for improvements in generic sports related activities, this means that by undertaking some functional training as part of your regular physical activity program you will notice benefits in strength, balance and endurance. The number of exercises that is encompassed by functional training is to vast to list but it will be revisited in later articles; today I will be covering three of the basic exercises.
1. The Squat.
The squat is an essential exercise that should be practiced by everyone, and it is whenever you are getting up from a chair or sitting down you are in fact performing a squat!! However, you can make sure you are performing it correctly by ensuring that you lead with your hips, concentrating in keeping your chest/torso tall and bending your knees with the majority of your weight through your heels.
2. Single Leg balance with arm movement
This exercise is great for improving your balance and hip control; additionally this exercise can be done anywhere. To begin with while brushing your teeth, stand on one leg and brush the opposite side and then switch legs and brush the other side making sure to balance.
3. Reach outs
This exercise focus on controlling your shoulder blades, standing against a wall you bring your arm up to shoulder height and attempt to reach as far forward as you can without leaning with your upper body. Then you bring your arm back to the starting position, making sure that your shoulder does not rise to meet your ear.
These exercises are just a sample, talk to your Exercise Physiologist about incorporating similar exercises into your weekly exercise routine.