Functional training has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This type of workout focuses on exercises that help you perform everyday activities more efficiently and safely by mimicking real-life movements. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to diversify your routine, functional training is an excellent way to build strength, improve balance, and enhance overall fitness. 

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain what functional training is, its benefits, and how you can get started, especially if you’re training at Underground Gym in Brighton and Hove, or one of our other locations.

What is Functional Training?

Functional training involves exercises that train your muscles to work together, simulating common movements you perform in daily life. Unlike traditional strength training, which often isolates specific muscles, functional training focuses on compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Examples of functional exercises include:

• Squats: Mimic the motion of sitting down and standing up, working the legs, core, and lower back.
• Lunges: Replicate the action of stepping forward or backward, engaging the legs, hips, and core.
• Push-ups: Strengthen the upper body and core, mirroring the motion of pushing objects away from you.
• Planks: Build core stability, helping with posture and balance in everyday activities.

Benefits of Functional Training

Functional training offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable addition to any fitness routine:

• Improved Strength and Mobility: By focusing on movements that mimic everyday tasks, functional training helps you build practical strength that enhances your ability to perform daily activities.
• Injury Prevention: Functional exercises improve coordination and balance, reducing the risk of injury during both workouts and daily life.
• Enhanced Core Stability: Many functional exercises engage the core muscles, leading to better posture, balance, and overall stability.
• Increased Flexibility: Functional training often incorporates dynamic movements that help improve flexibility and joint mobility.
• Efficient Workouts: Because functional training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, you can achieve a full-body workout in less time.

Getting Started with Functional Training

If you’re new to functional training, here’s how to get started:

• Start with the Basics: Begin with foundational movements such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. These exercises are effective for building strength and can be easily modified as you progress.
• Focus on Form: Proper form is crucial in functional training to maximize the benefits and prevent injury. If you’re unsure about your technique, consider joining one of our beginner functional training classes at Underground Gym in Brighton or Hove, where our experienced trainers can guide you.
• Gradually Increase Intensity: As you become more comfortable with the exercises, gradually increase the intensity by adding resistance, such as dumbbells or resistance bands, or by incorporating more complex movements.
• Mix It Up: To keep your workouts engaging and challenging, try incorporating different functional exercises or combining them into circuits. Our UG Functional Fit classes are an excellent way to experience a variety of functional exercises in a dynamic group setting.

Functional Training Classes at Underground Gym

At Underground Gym, we offer a range of functional training classes designed to help you get the most out of your workouts:

• UG Functional Fit: This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, focusing on exercises that improve strength, mobility, and endurance through functional movements.
• Hyrox Training: A high-intensity class that combines functional exercises with endurance training, ideal for those looking to challenge themselves and improve overall fitness.
• Small Group Training: Enjoy personalized attention in a small group setting, where our trainers can tailor the functional exercises to suit your fitness level and goals.

Conclusion

Functional training is a versatile and effective way to improve your overall fitness, making everyday tasks easier and reducing the risk of injury. By starting with the basics and gradually increasing the intensity, you can build a strong foundation in functional fitness. At Underground Gym in Brighton and Hove, our classes are designed to help you master functional training techniques in a supportive and motivating environment.

For more information on our functional training classes, check out our class schedule.