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Contrary to what it may seem, there are training modalities that go beyond long sessions of cardiovascular training or heavy strength training. The important thing will always be to carry out a complete training routine that helps us improve our physical condition.
Within this routine we should incorporate functional training , a type of training that is key to improving our performance within the disciplines we normally practice. But, what is functional training and what specific benefits does it offer?
What is functional training?
This is a type of training focused on performing free movements or with resistance (even on unstable surfaces) that is usually directly related to the sporting activity we do.
Specifically, this type of training includes exercises that involve several muscles and joints at the same time, as opposed to normal practice, where only one muscle and one joint are worked.
The variety of exercises it offers makes functional exercise a very good tool for improving the performance of any sporting activity that anyone does.
Benefits of functional training
The main purpose of functional training is to help our body strengthen our muscles and improve our physical performance in our most everyday tasks. However, it also offers a series of more specific benefits:
- Improves balance and body stability
- Helps improve the cardiovascular system
- Prevents injuries
- Stimulates joint mobility and dynamic flexibility
- Improves body posture
- Provides greater agility
- Develop strength
However, there is a wide range of different types of functional exercise. The level of difficulty, therefore, can also be very gradual, starting with exercises that are easy to perform and gradually becoming more complicated and requiring greater physical effort.
Functional training exercises
The general recommendation is to start with bodyweight exercises, i.e. exercises in which we use our own body weight as a 'weight'. As our fitness improves, we can start incorporating some extras, such as weights or resistance bands.
In the case of functional training, it is very important that the exercises are multi-joint, that is, they require intramuscular coordination to apply more intense stimuli. Thus, among the main functional training exercises, we can highlight the following:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Pull-ups
- Funds
- Push-ups
- Plates
- Dead weight
- Hip lift
Now, although the possibilities of functional training are practically endless, it is very important to be accompanied by a professional who guides and supervises our training. In this type of sport, it is essential to monitor body posture when performing each series, since a bad position can cause untimely injuries.
Likewise, and since the gradual complication of exercises is very important in functional training, it is necessary to have a guide who will guide you through this improvement, step by step.
But what options do you have in Barcelona to do functional training?
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Orangetheory Fitness: your choice for functional training in Barcelona
Orangetheory Fitness is present in the city of Barcelona with up to 3 centres spread throughout Barcelona and Sant Cugat. In all of them you can do different types of training, including functional training, adapted to your physical level and personal situation.
If you are a busy person, don't worry! All you need is one hour. During the training sessions we organize in our centers, there is time for everything: cardiovascular training, strength training... and of course, functional training.
If you are a fitness newbie, you don't have to worry either. The workouts are led by our 'coaches', personal trainers who will guide you through each of your exercises and advise you on how to proceed at any given time.
We understand that training deserves to be worked on from an individual perspective, but beware, we also believe in the benefits of group classes! That's why, even if you train at your own pace, you can also benefit from the motivation of working in a group.
Fancy trying it out? Our first session is free !
