Functional training, commonly referred to as “FT”, attempts to form or alter exercises that empower individuals to perform daily activities safely and easily. When defined in the context of bodybuilding, FT means engaging in weight bearing exercises that target the core muscles as well as lumbar muscles. The BOSU Balance Trainer is quite the helpful piece of exercise equipment when it comes to FT. This device makes functional balance training easier and more enjoyable.
The Basics of FT
FT is defined as intentional training or training that is purpose driven. It is best to think of FT as a methodology of movement or form of movement that exposes one to numerous integrated patterns of movement. Such patterns prepare the individual for several different types of movement requirements.
All in all, it's easiest to understand FT as training oriented around achieving elite performance and attaining well-defined goals. These goals are not quantified like those in sports such as when a baseball hitter strives to hit .300 for the season. Rather, the focus of FT is to train general patterns of movement that have a specific purpose in relation to an array of movement challenges one encounters in life or athletics.
The methodology of FT analyzes commonalities between movements and requirements for energy systems for various levels of training. The aim is to train such movement patterns with actions that reinforce brain and muscle system interactions while the body is moving.
Whole Body Training
FT is centered on training the entire body rather than a single body part. Instead of isolation, there is a multi-joint movement that forces all of the body's muscle groups to work in unison. FT provides new balance challenges and controls stability in limited doses to teach participants how to properly manage their body weight. Once the entire body is trained, the individual re-establishes a center of gravity along with complete balance and stability.
The BOSU Balance Trainer Complete Workout System
The BOSU Balance Trainer forces participants to use their minds right along with their bodies for precise movement. FT forces the mind and body to connect motion at joints while simultaneously stabilizing additional joints. The final result is a safe and highly efficient movement. The BOSU Complete program's movement patterns were carefully created to suit FT's unique concept for training. The linking of stabilization with motion leads to training benefits that really do make a meaningful impact on daily performance. Such training enhances stability and balance required for everything from mowing the lawn to taking laundry to the basement, weeding the garden and beyond. .
FT also zeroes in on training to master one's center of gravity. This style of training teaches an individual to establish and/or maintain overarching body stability, alignment and center of gravity. The ultimate aim of FT is to instruct individuals to move and control themselves in different environments with varying visibility, contact points, stimuli and other factors. The bottom line is all forms of advanced movement mandate a degree of motion and/or stabilization.
The BOSU Balance Trainer is perfect for FT. This style of training can be transferred to one's daily functional requirements ranging from bending to twisting, reaching, standing for extended periods of time, altering one's line of sight while moving and so on. Body control is necessary for all sorts of situations. This learning process is unique in that it introduces skill progressions in the form of instability in a controlled training space. This means the participant gets to experience different training surfaces as well as movement challenges while gradually progressing.
In the end, body control is best thought of as highly effective functional training that allows for muscles to be trained in a manner that proves effective for everyday living and athletics. Indeed, the overarching aim of FT is to prepare individuals for everyday movement, activities and sports. Even if you are not a superstar athlete, you will still obtain considerable benefits from engaging in FT.
Open Chain Vs. Closed Chain Exercise
Envision a long chain in your mind's eye. Envision legs and arms at opposite ends of the chain. Open chain exercises take place when an end portion of the chain (legs or arms) is not fixed and fails to support the body's weight. An example is a seated knee extension exercise. Closed chain exercises take place if the limbs are used to support the body's weight. An example is a lunge movement. Closed chain exercises mandate a highly dynamic response from the entire body to allow the movement to be performed quickly and safely.
FT: Daily Movements and Sports Movements
In order for training or an activity to be characterized as FT and related to daily movements/sports movements, it must be focused on integrated movement as opposed to an isolated action along a joint. It is certainly important to bolster certain muscles in isolation. FT keys in on practicing aspects of movement and combining parts into patterns then practicing the entirety in an integrated manner. The rehearsal carries forth after instability is introduced. This movement is not tailored to a specific sport yet there is certainly recognition that many of the movements are common to athletics.
As long as multiple joint movements are integrated, a functional movement is occurring. This multi-joint movement must occur across multiple planes in order for it to qualify as FT. Complexity and intensity should gradually heighten. With ample practice, the movement will eventually help improve the participant's core strength and make everyday life, sports and other activities that much easier.
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