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When it comes to functional vs traditional strength training, there are some key differences. Some people prefer a traditional approach, using basic weights and machines to build muscle mass. Others take a more functional approach, using their body weight and everyday objects to train their muscles.
So which is better? Functional or traditional strength training?
The answer may surprise you. However, there are benefits to both approaches.
Functional strength training can help you develop muscles more easily in everyday activities. This type of training can also help improve your balance and coordination.
On the other hand, traditional strength training can help you build bigger muscles. Therefore, a traditional approach may be best for you if your goal is to increase your muscle mass.
Functional Strength Training
When it comes to functional strength training, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to focus on compound exercises. These are fitness routines that work for several muscular groups at the same time. Not only do they build strength more efficiently, but they also help to improve your coordination and balance.
Some of the best compound fitness routines for functional strength training are rows, deadlifts, presses, and squats. These workouts should form the basis of your fitness journey. In addition, you should include some isolation exercises in your routine. Isolation exercises help to target specific muscle groups and can be very helpful in correcting imbalances.
When it comes to functional strength training, you must use proper form. This means that you should focus on quality over quantity. It is better to do fewer reps with perfect form than more reps with poor form. In addition, you need to make sure that you are using a full range of motion. This means that you should not only be working the muscle group that you are targeting but also the surrounding muscles.
Finally, you must ensure that you are using a variety of exercises. This will help to ensure that you are working for all the muscle groups in your body, not just one or two. By using a variety of exercises, you will also be able to avoid boredom and keep your workout routine fresh.
Traditional Strength Training
Traditional strength training is a type of weightlifting that focuses on building up the size of your muscles. This is usually done by doing multiple sets of a single exercise with heavy weights. The goal of traditional strength training is to build bigger muscles. While this can be effective, it is essential to remember that bigger muscles do not necessarily mean more robust bones.
Traditional strength training exercises include bench presses, squats, and deadlifts. These exercises are practical for building muscle size, but they do not do much to improve your overall strength or power.
The key things to remember with traditional strength training are to focus on quality over quantity, use a full range of motion, and use a variety of exercises. Make sure that you are not just doing the same exercise over and over again. This will lead to boredom and a lack of results.
Functional vs Traditional Strength Training: How They Differ
Functional strength training and traditional strength training differ in a few key ways.
First, functional strength training focuses on compound exercises, while traditional strength training incorporates many isolation exercises.
Second, functional strength training uses a full range of motion, while traditional strength training often uses partial ranges.
Finally, functional strength training often uses everyday objects, while traditional strength training uses weightlifting equipment.
Compound vs Isolation Exercises
Compound exercises are exercises that work for multiple muscle groups at the same time. As a result, these routines are more suitable in terms of both time and results. Some compound exercises are rows, deadlifts, squats, and presses.
Isolation exercises, on the other hand, target a single muscle group. These exercises are often used to correct imbalances or to work on a specific muscle group. Some isolation exercises include bicep curls, tricep extensions, and leg raises.
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Full Range of Motion vs Partial Range of Motion
When doing a compound exercise, it is essential to use a full range of motion. This means that you should not only be working the muscle group that you are targeting but also the surrounding muscles. A full range of motion helps ensure you get the most out of your workout and avoid injury.
On the other hand, partial range of motion exercises only targets a specific part of the muscle. Therefore, bodybuilders often use these exercises to focus on a specific muscle area. However, partial range of motion exercises can lead to imbalances and injuries if they are not done correctly.
Everyday Objects vs Weightlifting Equipment
Functional strength training often uses everyday objects, while traditional strength training uses weightlifting equipment. This is because functional strength training focuses on using your body weight and gravity to provide resistance. Some examples of everyday objects that can be used for functional strength training include chairs, stairs, and towels.
On the other hand, weightlifting equipment is designed specifically for lifting weights. This equipment is often used in traditional strength training programs. Some examples of weightlifting equipment include dumbbells, barbells, and weight machines.
The Benefits of Functional Strength Training
Improve Overall Strength and Power
Functional strength training helps to improve your overall strength and power. In addition, this type of training helps you develop the muscles you use in everyday activities. As a result, you will be better able to perform these activities and avoid injury.
Improve Balance and Coordination
Functional strength training also helps to improve your balance and coordination. In addition, this type of training helps you to develop the muscles that are responsible for stabilizing your body. As a result, you will be less likely to fall and sustain an injury.
Increase Bone Density
Functional strength training can also help to increase your bone density. This type of training helps you develop the muscles responsible for supporting your skeleton. As a result, your bones will be stronger and less likely to break.
The Benefits of Traditional Strength Training
Develop Specific Muscle Groups
Traditional strength training helps you to develop specific muscle groups. This training lets you focus on developing the muscles you want to improve. As a result, you will be able to achieve the results that you are looking for.
Improve Joint Stability
Traditional strength training also helps to improve joint stability. This type of training helps you develop the muscles responsible for stabilizing your joints. As a result, you will be less likely to experience joint pain or injury.
Increase Muscle Endurance
Traditional strength training can also help to increase muscle endurance. This type of training helps you develop the muscles responsible for sustaining physical activity. As a result, you will be able to participate in activities for more extended periods without becoming fatigued.
Editor-In-Chief at Recovatech. Dr. Ben is a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic with over 10 years of clinical experience. He specializes in structural and neurological imbalances with an emphasis on functional movement patterns, exercise performance, and muscle recovery. He has been the team chiropractor for professional baseball and soccer organizations, as well as collegiate athletes. In his personal life, he’s always been driven when it comes to athletics and personal performance.