VIDEO: What is functional training?

The origin of functional training methods

In the concept of the functional training ideas and aspects from different areas have been incorporated. In the USA, the method quickly developed into a trend that has now also arrived in Germany.

In addition to Michael Boyle, the pioneer in this field, were among others the author and Physiotherapist Gray Cook and Martin Rooney, specialist in strengthening and Conditioning, involved. In this country, the concept became known not least through Oliver Schmidtlein, who used it as a physiotherapist in the coaching team of the German national soccer team.

The purpose of functional training

Functional training is basically about training the body in such a way that it can optimally carry out daily activities. The various exercises have therefore been designed primarily with a view to their usefulness or functionality. Unlike normal fitness programs, it says here - similar to some forms of yoga - not primarily the pumping up of the muscles, but rather the stabilization of tendons, joints and other body structures in the foreground. The point of this is to reduce the risk of injury in stressful situations, such as those especially in performance and

Endurance sports occur to be reduced to a minimum.
However, this does not mean that the muscles are not strengthened through functional training. The muscle building is rather simply a side effect of the exercises that does not have to be focused.

Notes on the training methods

It is characteristic of functional training that you do not simply repeat stupid movements on equipment and perhaps even stare at a television screen. On the contrary, performing the movements, in which the whole body is always involved, should help you to better feel and perceive your joints, tendons and muscles. In this way it is possible to gain a better understanding of the functions and movements of the To develop your body, which in turn can help you in extreme sporting situations protection.
Specifically, functional training progresses from simple to more complex exercises. The focus is on stabilizing the hip and shoulder joints, as these connect the torso with arms and legs. Except for exercise balls, balance boards and the like, no equipment is used.

The fitness concept is not only useful for top athletes

Functional training was originally developed for high-performance athletes. In the meantime, however, it has become clear that the method is also suitable for mass sports.