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Functional Training Is a Hoax
Functional training is a deception utilized to spearhead misinformed prospective clients into choosing one trainer or program over another. In the Strength and Conditioning world, clients want to throw harder, run faster or hit the ball harder. Though these are great goals for athletic improvement, the client may not have a true understanding of how to reach these goals. For years, “Functional Training” has been the answer. But, the basis of functional training (performing replicate motions that are seen in the sport to allow for improved performance) raises a question. If a baseball player takes 100 high speed baseball swings a day, how much more value can come about from performing additional exercises which mimic a baseball swing?
“Train what you need, perform the way you want.”
“Functional Training” has been a buzz word for the past twenty years to describe many training systems and programs. With functional training being deemed synonymous with intelligent programming and educated trainers, the term itself has been diluted to the point where it lacks identity. How, then, does one determine that a training system or program is functional?
Functional, by definition, means “of or having a special activity, purpose or task, relating to the way in which something works or operates”. Training is defined as “the action of teaching a person/animal a particular skill or behavior”. “Functional” training, simply put, is “Training.” For your training to be functional in nature, steps must be taken prior to a program being initiated.
Completion of a needs analysis of a given activity and an assessment of the capabilities of the individual must be completed to allow for training to be most effective. If training is completed without these critical steps, it is the equivalent of shooting a free throw with your eyes closed. Everyone once in a while you may make it; however, there is no way to get true feedback to improve your results. Properly developed foundational platforms allow the greatest functional gains.
With the focus of training being to restore the foundations for movement and improve sports/functional performance, it is imperative that the assessment leads to the development of benchmarks and an “end goal”. Why is this important? For one, the number one reason why people do not train is that they feel they do not have the time. The fitness industry is growing exponentially, and there are unlimited options for workout routines and programs to fit every time constraint and need. Having specific, measurable and attainable benchmarks will ensure that the training program you are involved in is placing you on the correct path without wasting your valuable time. In the worst case scenario, the benchmarks will allow for modification of an unsuccessful program to correct your trajectory and allow you to reach your goals.
Furthermore, an “end goal” allows for the golden nugget that each and every one of us is looking for. Without one present, it is impossible to determine when success is achieved. This concept is invaluable to the human psyche. As a culture, we tend to diminish the meaning that success has in our life and our focus usually leans to the negative. Though the fear of failure is one type of motivation, we as humans crave the release of serotonin that is released when we achieve success. This overwhelming sensation of happiness is what drives motivation and encourages compliance to any training program. This is why having “end goals” are so valuable to a program. Not to conclude training, but to provide an individual with the necessary means to continue to reach new levels of health and performance.
If you wish to start a targeted training program in order to enhance athletic or physical capabilities, allow our staff at Integrated Rehab to identify the deficits which are handcuffing your performance.