Alongside CrossFit and other types of high intensity training styles, Functional Fitness has been rising in popularity in recent years. Considering all the health benefits – strength, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, postural to name a few – this only seems logical but why else should one try functional fitness? In this short blog we give our opinion on the matter and why we would recommend functional fitness to anyone. Here are our top 10 reasons to try functional fitness.
1. Perspective
Functional fitness challenges you in lots of different ways, and more often than not will involve some element of difficult conditioning. The better you get the more you are able to do (Unfortunately it doesn’t get easier).. After completing a session that really challenges you it’s often a nice way to put the other stresses of your day into perspective!
2. Community
At CT we are famous for the emphasis we place on the importance of community. Now more than ever, society has a longing for a sense of belonging. Functional fitness tends to take place within a class setting which really lends itself to that community ethos.
3. Variety
A very common scenario a lot of our members had before joining was a sense of boredom or repetition due to poor or even a lack of programming. Functional fitness usually aims to develop a variety of energy systems which tends to result in exciting, challenging new workouts each day.
4. Form/Technique
The aim of functional fitness is to develop the ability to complete complex movements that will make the daily requirements less taxing on an individual’s body. For example if you can do a full depth squat then you will probably be okay getting out of your armchair. Good form and technique allows us to train muscles throughout their full range (Safely). Some branches of functional fitness have been criticised for not placing enough emphasis on technique…. But let’s not get into that… Unfortunately form tends to be lacking in many other areas of fitness.
5. Enjoyment
This could potentially be a sub-heading of the community. We have to remember that if something isn’t enjoyable then it probably isn’t sustainable. The community element and emphasis we put on everyone at CT building relationships with other members makes for an amazing atmosphere ensuring everyone leaves with a smile on their faces. I won’t even go into the chemical reactions that happen in your body after a tough workout!
6. It’s Tangible
Now there have been plenty of recent studies showing that delayed muscle soreness is not always a good marker of progress when it comes to strength development of strength gain. There is however an undeniable psychological benefit of the reminder your legs give you the next day.. It’s almost like your body saying “Wow, you went hard yesterday, Good Job!”
7. Functionality
So yes it goes without saying that functional fitness should have functional benefits… but what does that mean.. Primarily it means resilience to injury. If you can develop the ability to do box jumps, walking lunges and the mobility to touch your toes then running to catch the bus becomes a walk in the park… or a run on the pavement.. You get my point. Being able to perform at 100% means that daily activities are easier and less likely to cause injuries.
8. Coaching
Because of the complexity of many of the elements involved in functional fitness it becomes necessary to have a coach. Whether that is within a class setting or an online coach with clear instruction and consistent feedback. This is important for two main reasons. 1) You have the assurance that you are doing movements correctly and clear instruction on how to progress (Hopefully). 2) You have an added level of accountability… Which brings us to our next point.
9. Accountability
Being part of a class, community or online program lends itself to an additional level of accountability. You get the accountability of the coach who you have hopefully built a relationship with. The accountability of the community you have around you and the accountability to yourself to continue to develop.
10. Competition
A big trend at the moment are functional fitness competitions. Crossfit used to have almost a complete monopoly on this. However companies like Hyrox, Turf Games, Tough mudder and much more are now offering lots of different options. Many people who might have played a sport in the past but have had to retire or can’t commit anymore find an outlet for that competitive drive within an area of functional fitness.
Looking to try functional fitness?
Book your free trial now or get in touch, a member of our team will be available to help answer any of your questions.