In the world of sports there are also fashions. The types of training change, evolve and even disappear. The most modern methods mean that the traditional ones are becoming obsolete and that there are more and more detractors of machine training. When we talk about functional vs traditional training , we are not saying that one is good and the other bad because it is the objectives that determine which type will give better results.
Functional vs traditional training
What is traditional training?
When we talk about traditional training , we talk about the exercises that are carried out in a lifelong gym. Machines or our own weight are used and the muscles are worked in a fixed plane.
With this type of training, muscle growth is rapid because the objective of each exercise is to work a specific muscle area . It has also been shown that there is less risk of injury because very specific exercises are performed with a highly guided movement.
What is functional entreitenement?
With this type of training, natural movements and very similar to those of the day to day are sought to work the muscles. In each exercise many muscles are involved, so it is very important to control them to avoid injury . By involving more parts of our body, the intensity of the training increases and more calories are burned as well .
Functional training seeks quality muscle growth and balanced strengthening of all muscles.
Functional vs traditional training, which one to choose?
In summary, traditional training is based on:
- Work a specific muscle or muscle group
- It is done sitting or leaning
- Range of motion is limited
- Rapid muscle growth
- Controlled, guided and slow movements
While functional training :
- Works several muscles or muscle groups simultaneously
- It generates a great calorie burn
- Improve performance in almost any sport
- Improves body posture
- Muscles grow and strengthen in a more natural and balanced way
- Three planes of movement are used: lateral, frontal and transverse
Traditional training is ideal for people who can follow a training planning and to which a problem does not mean you go to the gym regularly. It is not necessary to have previous knowledge , they are perfect for working the muscles in isolation and there is less risk of injury .
Instead, functional training is aimed at people who are not motivated in a gym . With a training of this type, much more varied activities are carried out, which is what many people look for. As high intensity exercises are performed, more strength, power, speed, coordination, agility, precision, endurance, balance and flexibility are achieved . One of the drawbacks of this type of training is that it requires prior work . It is also important to note that the risk of injury increases .
From here, choose the type of training that best suits your current physical conditions . Choose a traditional workout if you haven’t been doing sports for a long time and are in very poor shape. If you have been practicing sports for years and want to increase your strength, endurance and so on, but you don’t want to spend hours and hours lifting weights and testing machines, go for functional training .
