Can functional training help you lose weight?
One of the most frustrating parts of working out can be finding the right exercise routines to help you lose weight effectively. You might be under the impression that cardio-heavy sessions are your best bet. However, there are easier methods to help you with weight loss without being stuck on a treadmill for hours.
Functional training is a popular way to shed the pounds through using your own body weight and lightweights. It won’t leave you feeling exhausted and sweaty. We looked at the key areas of functional training, how it can help with weight loss and are offering a few exercises you can try out for yourself.
What is functional training?
Functional fitness exercises are all about looking after your long-term fitness and well-being while helping you lose weight. Designed to help improve your balance, posture, muscle strength and flexibility, these workouts improve the way your brain talks to your muscles as they are being worked out. Functional training focuses much more on movement. Cardio or bodybuilding training mostly is based on distance or weight. Because of its focus on movement, functional training helps you improve your balance and maintain strong body shape.
How can functional training help you with weight loss?
Rather than exposing your body to the stresses and strains of weightlifting and cardio, functional training is designed to make your body feel more comfortable. Research has proven that bodies that are able to move more freely burn off calories more effectively and help you drop the pounds.
The best place to start with functional workouts is to identify any weaknesses you may have in your motion (i.e. any flexibility or balance issues). This way you can improve these areas and allow your body as a whole to move much more comfortably. If you’re unsure on how to best evaluate your body’s movement, getting a personal trainer for a session may be a good option. The trainer will be able to spot your weaknesses and help you make improvements through functional exercise which in return will help you with weight loss.
4 simple functional training exercises
Adding functional workouts into your sessions doesn’t have to be difficult. You can incorporate them into your current fitness routine, or just do a couple in the morning before you start your day at home.
1. The plank
Probably the most famous of all functional exercises. The plank is an intermediate level exercise aimed at strengthening your core through improving your balance and posture.
2. Single-leg stand
The basics of improving balance. All you need to do is stand as firm as you possibly can on one leg. And do it for as long as you can, of course. As your core becomes stronger, add arm movements to increase the difficulty level of the exercise.
3. Single-leg squat
Similar to the above, the single-leg squat makes you stand on one leg and bend down, then back up again. At first, you may find this difficult but practice makes perfect. Over time you’ll have a greater sense of balance and see noticeable weight loss around your waist.
4. Shoulder flexion
When you are laying on the floor, lifting your arms from your side to up above your head, will help you control your back and abdominal muscles. This will improve muscle growth and weight loss. It isolates your lats and restricts the movement of your shoulders, minimize the risk of injuries.
