Function: Performing a duty for which a person/thing is intended; a normal or characteristic action of anything; a duty, utility or purpose.
Functional Training (FT): A comprehensive approach to training or rehabilitation that addresses ALL performance components necessary to achieve success in any target activity.
Every athlete has different demands, goals, and requirements. However, each individual should have a plan based off certain criteria. There is no doubt triathletes will benefit from the demands of functional training. However, it always comes down to doing the program right and consistently. Reasons listed for why FT is beneficial:
1. All three events require a strong core, defined for our purposes, as the area between the sternum and the knees (every one of these muscles attaches to the pelvis).
2. Swimming is not a ground based activity. Therefore, the core and rotation become the genesis of movement.
3. Biking and running are dominated by single leg movement as well as a large rotational component.
4. Balance and stability are two more components used in all three events. Remember that balance and stability drive strength.
Increasing volume and intensity without structural integrity is the best way to get injured. If the
efficiency with which one pedals can be improved or the power output increased, then one can easily see the importance of incorporating a strength training program or strength training in a more functional manner. Triathlon involves ground contact, multiple planes of motion, multiple planes of stabilization and integrated movements and utilizes gravity to load and unload muscle systems and involves the expression of power. There are several questions to ask to really understand if your current regimen is working for you. These are:
efficiency with which one pedals can be improved or the power output increased, then one can easily see the importance of incorporating a strength training program or strength training in a more functional manner. Triathlon involves ground contact, multiple planes of motion, multiple planes of stabilization and integrated movements and utilizes gravity to load and unload muscle systems and involves the expression of power. There are several questions to ask to really understand if your current regimen is working for you. These are:
1. Is my training dynamic?
2. Does my training involve multi-planar movements?
3. Neurologically, am I involving a link b/w my brain and my muscles?
4. Am I making improvements in my overall strength
5. Is my training sport specific?
If the answers are ”no” to ANY of the following or the questions are misunderstood, then the best idea is to begin implementing an FT program into your weekly routine. Even if you’re not an ”athlete” this still applies to you. Those of us stuck in offices all day need just as much FT as any athlete. Take the time now to consider your goals—become better—train smarter not harder.