Athletes understand the value of a thorough workout routine that supports a healthy lifestyle and improves their performance.
No matter what the sport, functional training is beneficial because it focuses on enhancing the body’s ability to perform everyday movements with greater efficiency and strength.
Read this overview of functional strength training for athletes to understand why such training is vital.
Engages Your Entire Body
Traditional strength training targets singular muscle groups that may cause imbalances. Functional strength training, on the other hand, engages the entire body.
Movements such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts require coordination among several areas of the body. By incorporating these movements, athletes can develop strength that translates directly into improved performance.
Strengthens Your Core
A strong core forms the foundation of a powerful body. Functional strength training emphasizes core stability and strength.
Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws engage the core muscles for a comprehensive workout that targets the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. It establishes better control of the body’s center of gravity for dynamic movements.
Diminishes the Risk of Injuries
Athletes constantly face the risk of injuries due to the intense nature of their sports. Improved coordination allows athletes to execute movements with precision and control.
Functional exercises will strengthen stabilizer muscles for supported joints that minimize the risk of overuse injuries. Athletes will develop stronger coordination, balance, and flexibility to support the demands of their sport.
Doesn’t Require Extensive Equipment
The recommended equipment for functional training is minimal. You don’t have to obtain a gym membership for access to machines or specialized equipment. All you need are some simple items and insight into the exercises to improve your overall strength.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are versatile and portable for exercises such as banded squats, lateral band walks, and banded push-ups. These engage multiple muscle groups for variable resistance and adjustable intensity.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells offer dynamic resistance that challenges stability and coordination. Movements such as kettlebell swings, Turkish get-ups, and goblet squats engage the core, legs, and upper body simultaneously.
Dumbbells
Athletes should always have a set of dumbbells on hand for workouts. Dumbbells allow for a greater range of motion compared to machines for better strength flexibility development.
They are a simple yet effective source of functional exercises such as the farmer carry, bent-over row, bicep curls, and single-leg deadlifts.
Pull-Up Bar
Pull-up bars are excellent for developing upper body strength and stability. Exercises such as pull-ups, chin-ups, and hanging leg raises engage the back, shoulders, and core.
Employ Functional Strength Training 2-3 Times a Week
Athletes must stick to a workout regimen to see progress and improve their performance. To finish up this overview of functional strength training, athletes should incorporate these exercises two to three times throughout the week.
While functional strength training might not be your only method of exercise, it complements other forms of training, such as cardio and sport-specific drills. Consistency will build the strength and coordination you desire.
