The biggest myth about functional strength training is that you have to do something stupid like sandbag cleans or farmer's walk in order to get benefits.

This couldn't be further from the truth! Functional strength training can include any movement pattern that you need for your sport, job or life.

It should also cover a broad spectrum of muscles and movements rather than focusing on just one area like bench press.

The benefits of functional fitness training are getting stronger and improving the right muscle groups.

If you are weak in a certain movement like rotating side to side, then your body will compensate by turning from the hips instead, which can cause back pain as an example.

In this article I am going to talk about 6 main benefits of functional strength training that will help you move better and prevent injuries.

Some of these benefits may be familiar to you already, but hopefully some are not - either way I am sure that they will benefit your training!

Here are 6 benefits of functional strength training:

1. Functional strength training can help you perform better in your sport. If this is not a benefit for you, then I don't know why you would train! The way you move matters, and if that movement isn't correct, you'll get hurt.

2. Functional strength training can help prevent injury and chronic pain. If you are stronger in the correct movement patterns, you will be less likely to get hurt! For example, squats help build strong hips which helps protect the knee during other movements like running.

3. Functional strength training can help you recover from injuries faster. You'll have more muscle and less body fat, which will allow for an easier time healing and getting back in the game!

4. Functional strength training can keep your bones strong to avoid injury and improve posture. Ditch the machines...functional strength training is all about utilizing your big muscles to move heavy weights. For example, squats allow your whole body to support your spine and help you stay upright!

5. Functional strength training can improve your mental toughness. Over time, fatigue will set in when doing high-intensity functional strength training sessions. If you're willing to push past the pain, it's much easier to get through the tough times in your sport!

6. Functional strength training can help you improve all of the above benefits! By simply creating a plan, and then sticking with it, you'll get better on your own schedule. Don't worry about what's trendy or what everyone else is doing...just do what works best for you!

There are certainly benefits of functional fitness training that you won't get from traditional weight lifting.

That doesn't mean you should never pick up a barbell ever again...it just means you need to be open-minded about other ways to improve your health and performance!

Changing things up every once in a while will keep you from not getting bored and falling into old habits.

Now it's time to get moving and lifting! Whether you're trying some new bodyweight movements, using kettlebells or just doing barbell complexes, make sure the movement is correct first and then go at it with 100% effort.

Remember that in order to get stronger, you have to lift heavy enough weights so that your muscles fatigue by the end of your training session.

If every set is easy peasy then you're not doing enough work.

Walk away from the machine, step up to a barbell and challenge yourself! You'll be stronger than ever before!

4 Bonus Tips For Getting Started With Functional Strength Training!

1. Start Off Slow: If you are new to lifting, start with making small changes and learning more about your body. For example, switching from a machine to free weights will help you learn more about your body and how it moves.

2. Do Something Fun: The best way to stay motivated is do something that makes you happy! If you have fun doing an activity, then the chances of sticking with it are much higher.

3. Focus On Form: Make sure to always focus on form. I like to think of lifting as a skill that you perfect with practice. If your form isn't correct, then it's going to be harder for you to get the results you want...and it can also lead to injury!

4. Take Breaks: If you are new at something, don't get discouraged when you don't see the results you want as quickly as you would like. Take a day off here and there to allow your body to rest, and take some time to learn more about how it works!

In summary, functional fitness and strength training has lots of benefits and can improve your overall health and performance!

It's also something that can be done using just free weights and your own body weight. If you like the benefits that functional strength training offers, then make sure to get started right away!

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References:

1. Romero, G. (2015). Forget the free weights! Functional strength training is where it's at. Retrieved from http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/forget-the-free-weights-functional-strength#~oFGLnkR5SJTVGlc.97

2. Forbes, B. (2015). Functional Strength Training: The Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.dailyactivetribe.com/2013/10/functional-strength-training-the-benefits/

3. XMark Fitness Official Website - Total Trainer 2000 Home GYM Workout Machine - Xmark .(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.xmarkfitness.com/product/total-trainer-2000

4. Functional Strength Training: The Benefits | A Daily Active Thing.(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dailyactivetribe.com/2013/10/functional-strength-training-the-benefits/

5. Functional Strength Training - Exercise Guides & Workouts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/functional-strength-training-exercises-2001549

6. Health Benefits of Functional Strength Training | Gym Source .(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gymsource.com/fitness-articles/health-benefits-of-functional-strength-training.html

7. Hira, M. (2015). The Benefits of Strength Training With Free Weights | Muscle & Fitness . Retrieved from http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/free-weight-training/benefits-strength-training-free-weights

8. Mayo Clinic .(2015). What are the benefits of strength training? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/strength-training/art-20048245