The Head-to-Toe Benefits of Using Functional Training Equipment

• Functional training is a great way to gain strength and tone your body. Not only will you look fitter, you'll also feel better.
• Functional training has plenty of benefits, which is why serious gym-goers ensure that this training is a part of their regular routine.
• There are various types of functional training equipment you can use to enhance your training regimen.

Some people work out to lose weight, bulk up, or tone muscles, while others do it to improve at sports. When it comes to functional training, the goal is to get better at regular, day-to-day activities. Functional fitness gives you an edge in tasks like lifting heavy bags, pushing grocery carts, and even just walking. 

In functional training, instead of hopping on a machine, you’ll use equipment like weights that give you more freedom of movement. Although machines are great for building specific muscle groups, machine exercises can’t mimic your natural body movements, which is one of the main goals of functional training. 

Why choose functional training over other gym workouts?

Compound movement

Out of all the activities you do on an average day, few to none of them likely require you to lift an item at waist level using only your biceps. Biceps curls work on that set of muscles, in that exact position, so they are not the most helpful exercise for picking your full laundry basket up off of the floor.

Functional training allows you to do that and other tasks more efficiently by incorporating compound movements into your workout. By combining different muscle groups in one motion, compound exercises mirror everyday movement patterns like pulling, pushing, rotating, and squatting.

Accessibility

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newbie to the gym scene, you can start doing functional training as soon as you’re ready. There’s no weight or height requirement, and you don’t need any experience. It’s only a matter of finding the exercises that suit your needs.

If you don’t own any equipment, that’s not a problem, either. Locate the nearest functional fitness gym and sign yourself up. You might have spotted some friends’ posts on social media about training. If you believe “the more, the merrier,” track them down and see if you can make a fun group activity out of it.

The benefits of using functional training equipment

Free weights

Compared to machines, a set of free weights will allow you to have a more dynamic workout that you can easily change up. They can be used for a variety of movements, in a variety of positions. With free weights, you have the option to take it easy or to challenge yourself, and whichever you opt to do, you won’t need any extra equipment.

Plyometric equipment

Plyometric equipment includes equipment that helps you improve your jumping skills—for example, boxes and hurdles. Plyometric movements require a lot of force, which means that the muscles in your arms and legs expand and contract quickly. It might make you sore post-workout, but it enhances elasticity in your limbs, making it a little easier every time.

TRX suspension

Like plyometric exercises, TRX suspension can improve your muscle strength. At the same time, you’ll be working on your cardiovascular endurance. It may look intimidating, but TRX suspension is actually low-impact. It doesn’t put your joints under stress, so you’re less likely to get injured, but you can still give your heart and lungs an intense workout.

Exercise balls

One reason you might struggle with strenuous activities even if you’ve been working out is muscle imbalance. This occurs when one muscle group is stronger than another and the two must work together. Exercise balls give you the support you need to combat muscle imbalance and exercise the somewhat neglected muscles in your back, buttocks, and hamstrings.

How to put the equipment to use

PT4 Pro Suspension Training Set

The PT4 Pro Suspension Training Set uses your own bodyweight as a strength training tool. It also improves your balance. If you’re new to suspension training, you can start with a tricep extension. 

TRICEP EXTENSION

1. Hold the handles with your palms facing out and extend your arms above your head. Then, lean into the straps.
2. Slowly bend your elbows to bring your body closer to the floor. As you do this, use your core and gluteal muscles to maintain your posture.
3. Press against the handles to get back into standing position.

Origin Multi-Sided Plyo Box

Break out the plyo box for a highly explosive training routine. The Multi-Sided Plyobox has all of the standard measurements on one box, making it a highly versatile piece of equipment. One exercise you can do with this equipment is box step-ups.

BOX STEP-UP

1. Step one foot on the box with your knee slightly over your ankle.
2. Push with your heel to get up.
3. Once you’re there, you can get back down safely by leaning your chest forward. This counterbalances your bodyweight and prevents you from tripping and falling.

Urethane Kettlebells

Urethane Kettlebells let you do a variety of strength training exercises and work on your grip since they are shaped differently than dumbbells and barbells. They force you to utilize your stabilizer muscles for a big range of motion. If you want a full-body exercise, get two kettlebells and do some kettlebell thrusters. 

KETTLEBELL THRUSTERS

1. Hold one in each hand and bend your knees just slightly. Make sure your legs still align with your shoulders.
2. Next, straighten your legs and extend your arms, lifting the kettlebells above your head.
3. From this position, squat down again and repeat.

Origin Slam Balls

For a challenging and fun workout, you can try Slam Ball exercises. These exercises work on your explosive strength and coordination. You can use slam balls when doing Russian twists.

RUSSIAN TWISTS

1. Take a Slam Ball and sit on the floor. Have your legs bent at the knees.
2. Carefully lean back so that your upper body forms a V shape with your thighs.
3. While holding the Slam Ball, twist your body from side to side. If you want to make it more intense, keep your knees bent but lift your feet a few inches off the ground.

No matter what your fitness level is, you can jump right into functional training. Make the most of it at a functional fitness facility where all you have to do is show up. Pretty Huge Obstacles at Bonifacio Global City offers lots of functional training equipment and classes, so you can be properly guided through your exciting functional fitness journey.