Functional strength training is all about more than just “bulking up” and looking good at the gym. It can help in your daily life, too! For example, you may have noticed that the ability to carry a heavy bag of groceries from your car into the house requires different strength than picking up an item off the ground.
Though both activities use different muscle groups, carrying groceries involves more core stability, hip flexors (front), and leg muscles (back). Picking up something from the ground, such as a sock or a book, requires more improvements in the back, shoulders, and arms muscles. The training principles used to improve these different muscle groups are not the same.
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Targeting Your Movements
The work that contributes to each of these different muscle groups is called functional strength training. So what is functional strength? Basically, it means your body has trained itself to adapt quickly and be flexible during movement requiring you to use certain muscles in a certain way (e.g., carrying groceries from your car).
By training with specific, targeted movements, you improve the function of your muscles and thus the way they are used. The result is increased function of all of the muscles involved, which ultimately leads to improved performance in your daily life.
So why is functional strength good for you? For one, it makes your body more adaptable to what’s happening in the outside world!
How Do These Exercises Differ From Traditional Strength Training?
Functional strength training exercises primarily move the joints, and thus the muscles, in a way that improves their function. Traditional strength training exercises primarily move the weight of the object being lifted. This means that traditional strength training does not necessarily improve the function of specific muscles.
However, here are some functional exercises you can try:
Hip abductors
These actions are used to stabilize your pelvis (hips). To start with this exercise:
1. Stand with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart.
2. Lift one of your feet off the ground, so it is resting on its toe.
3. Lift the other foot off the ground and place it either in front of the standing foot or behind it, depending on your focus.
Certain muscles will work harder depending upon which way you are facing. This is one exercise that takes some practice to perfect but is very beneficial and worth the effort!
Hip bilateral
These actions are used to help stabilize both hips and knees while moving a limb.
1. Start this exercise by standing with legs together.
2. Move one leg outward while the other leg stays at a neutral position.
3. Keep the hips in and the chest up. Both hips will move at the same time, not just one.
This exercise is especially beneficial for people with limited hip mobility (i.e., if you have had surgery on your hip, tendinitis in your knee, or arthritis in your knee).
Quadriceps
These are actions used to stabilize and move your legs through space. The most common quad exercises include squats, lunges, etc.
Hamstrings
These are actions used to stabilize and move your legs through space. The most common ham exercises include deadlifts, leg curls etc.
It’s true that strength training can make your muscles more visible, but when did looking at one’s muscles necessarily make them grow tired of life? If anything, it can give you a motivator to continue living life!
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Apex Performance
At Apex Performance Gym, they believe that “the best results come from individualized programming tailored to each athlete’s needs.” That means they take into account your goals and lifestyle when creating custom workout plans designed just for you. They also offer one-on-one coaching sessions with their experienced trainers who can help guide you through every step of your journey towards better health and wellness.
Aside from providing excellent physical services such as personal training or group classes (for those who prefer working out with others), they also have nutrition counseling available which can be incredibly beneficial when it comes to maintaining healthy habits long term – something many gyms don’t provide access to easily! This makes them stand apart from other establishments because not only do they care about helping people reach their fitness goals but also ensuring sustainable success over time by teaching proper nutrition practices alongside traditional exercises routines – giving customers more bang for buck without having to go elsewhere get specialized advice on dieting/meal planning etc.
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All these features combined make it easy why so many people choose Apex Performance Gym over other options in Tampa: Its convenient location coupled with its comprehensive approach towards physical activity & health make it an ideal place for anyone wanting to achieve peak performance levels both mentally & physically! Members can take advantage of personal training in Tampa, one-on-one training, small group classes, and specialized courses for a wide variety of athletics, youth sports training, and nutritional guidance! Check out what others are saying about Apex and its trainers and contact us today to get started on your fitness journey!
