What is Functional Training (continued)

Ask yourself, how many of your daily activities are done in a rigid environment where the stability is provided by an outside force. Most gyms have a series of Machines that support you in a sitting position while you push or pull the weight. This type of training was designed to strengthen the muscle in an isolated movement. The problem with isolated training is that your body does not function in isolated parts, but rather as a series of movements. There is no chair behind you when you are pushing your lawnmower. When you have to lift a baby, is your back artificially supported? How many sports are played sitting down!

Resistance machines make exercise appear easy, but ease of use does not guarantee success, and then the results we want seem to always escape us. If all the gadgets and pills worked everyone would be fit and healthy. There are millions of examples, and we would like to show you how functional fitness guarantees the most optimum training for your money.

Functional training is a system that encourages the training of balance and the balance of training. Strength should be judged with the knowledge that the only valuable strength is functional strength. If you work a weak muscle as part of a chain, it will eventually strengthen to its balanced strength ratio to the other muscles of that chain.

Functional weight training forces you to learn proper lifting and stabilization mechanics. Functional Training utilizes more muscle groups, creates a larger training effect and also reduces the likelihood of an injury due to poor lifting technique or muscular imbalance. Functional Training effectively concentrates on the "Core." The Core muscles are defined as the abdominals, lower back, obliques, gluteus and hamstrings. The Core is largely responsible for keeping the body strong and powerful.

What is Functional Training?

Functional Training is purposeful training that strengthens movements as they occur in real life. Functional training incorporates activity specific movements. We look at the body in its entirety, not just as separate parts.

Functional training can also be used as a way to raise your heart rate. Traditionally functional training is not about sets and reps, but it can be designed as part of a metabolic circuit. Because most functional exercises are performed standing, more energy is required, therefore more calories (energy) are expended.

News & Events

17 June, 2006

New Site Design Welcome to the redesigned Physiques by PT Website!

Success Stories

I was 51 years old, extremely deconditioned and facing a possible 3rd Spinal Surgery when I met Patty. Her functional approach was the exact program I needed. It's now 2 years later and I'm still going strong, my workout remains a challenge and I'm never bored!   read more...   Leanna

After just a few personal training sessions with Physiques by PT, I could begin to see and feel the difference in my body! I feel healthier and stronger - I can't wait for Spring!   April, Daytona Beach

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