So what exactly is functional training?

The advent of functional training came about as a consequence of physiotherapists, working on patients to regain their mobility after trauma or elective surgery, such as ligament repair. Surgery is one part of the procedure but cannot work in isolation.  For example, after knee surgery, the patient has to undergo rigorous physiotherapy sessions, in order to regain full movement in the joint. The benefits of rehab programmes cascaded down from physios to patients and fitness trainers.

As the name implies, this specialised training is aimed at improving your ability to undertake activities you would encounter in your daily life.  It is important, because most of us lead sedentary life styles and it is too easy to pick up an injury, often doing something as simple as twisting at your desk to open a drawer, or lifting something heavy out of the boot of your car. In addition to benefits such as these, functional training can be more specific and beneficial to your chosen sport. Different sport disciplines require a very specific range of movements, placing stress and demand on the body of the athlete.  By incorporating functional training, as part of a comprehensive training schedule, more efficient movement can be achieved which translates to greater sporting success.

Functional training will increase your range of movement and improve areas such as:

• Agility
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Balance

I began to incorporate this into my Valkyrie sessions when I realised the benefits, not just for sportsmen and women, but the wider population.  Functional training plays an integral part in weight loss programmes, helping improve fitness levels and as a way of staying motivated.

Functional training can take place in your home, work place or local park and involves equipment such as bands, balls, and free weights.  One of the most functional exercises is the squat.  Functional training can incorporate squats, which challenges your core stability and may involve working with balance training equipment. The sessions are varied and fun and it does not take long for you to realise the benefits of the sessions and how your different muscle group respond to functional training programmes.

So who should do functional training?

The beauty of this training is that it benefits everyone and the only thing that varies is the level of training for each client.  If you fall into one of the following groups, functional training is for you:

• Pregnant
• A new mum
• Professional sportsman or woman
• Someone whose occupation puts repetitive strain on specific areas of your body
• A sedentary worker
• Anyone aiming to improve technique in your specialised sport
• Coming back to sport after injury or a long lay off
• Wanting to lose weight and don’t know where to start
• Wanting to supplement your rehab programme
• Worried that you are losing your flexibility and mobility
• Wanting to get fit but don’t know where to start
• A sofa slobber/couch potato

Now you know more about functional training, why not come and try a session with Valkyrie?  I will be by your side to support, encourage and motivate you.  The gym, bench pressing and lycra have their place but if you are looking for training which makes you fit for your life style and helps prevent an injury at home or in the work place, then this is definitely for you.

If you have any personal training requirements, or would benefit from sports massage therapy, please do not hesitate to contact me on [eeb_content]07973 483314[/eeb_content]