Functional Training
Training that improves strength and movement patterns used in daily life and sports.
Updated
Functional training focuses on movements that transfer to real-life activities and athletic performance. It emphasizes multi-joint, multi-planar movements that challenge stability and coordination. While the term is sometimes overused, truly functional training improves how you move and perform outside the gym.
Examples
- Squats, deadlifts, carries, lunges
- Movements in multiple planes
- Training movement patterns, not just muscles
Related Terms
Compound exercises
Put this into practice with exercises from the library.
One Leg Barbell Squat
Strength · Barbell
Open Palm Kettlebell Clean
Strength · Kettlebells
Otis-Up
Strength · Other
Overhead Slam
Plyometrics · Medicine Ball
Overhead Squat
Olympic Weightlifting · Barbell
Overhead Stretch
Stretching · None
Pallof Press With Rotation
Strength · Cable
Parallel Bar Dip
Strength · Other
Common questions
What is Functional Training?
Training that improves strength and movement patterns used in daily life and sports. Functional training focuses on movements that transfer to real-life activities and athletic performance.
What exercises train the Functional Training?
Good options include One Leg Barbell Squat, Open Palm Kettlebell Clean, Otis-Up, Overhead Slam, Overhead Squat. Each links to a step-by-step guide with demonstration images.
What are examples of Functional Training?
Squats, deadlifts, carries, lunges; Movements in multiple planes; Training movement patterns, not just muscles.
Put it into practice
12-Week Muscle Building · £29
A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus