Functional training often causes strong reactions, so much so that it becomes a source of great perplexity or deep obsession.
In an effort to shed some light on this controversial discipline, we consulted Daniel Campbell (@danccampbell), Head Coach at TRAIN Heald Green, a functional training gym in Manchester.
"How would you briefly describe functional training to someone who has never practiced it?"
Functional training today incorporates two visions. On the one hand, you have a very advanced level of competitive functional training that reflects the opinion of many about it, and that is what is conveyed by competitions or documentaries, in which there are athletes intent on performing muscle ups and lifting above their heads. huge weights.
However, for many this is not how a functional training session is set up. It is actually a simple training method that combines different elements, including strength, cardiovascular activity and bodyweight exercises.
The emphasis is on self-improvement and belonging to a community of like-minded people, eager to achieve better physical shape and feel good while having fun.
"What is the difference compared to a normal training?"
I believe that the biggest difference between any training and functional training, also called functional training, lies in the community that is created, as well as in the intensity.
In a normal gym, people tend to stay on their own, focus on themselves without interacting with others. In cross training gyms, on the other hand, we all train together; this fuels competitiveness and causes people to push themselves slightly beyond their limits, forcing themselves to perform an additional repetition or lift an extra pound.
Despite being competitive, the environment is one of the friendliest: they will all be ready to cheer you up should you hit a new record!
"Can anyone do it?"
Yes, functional training is for everyone, but the real question is whether the full range of motion involved is suitable for every type of person. Someone who hasn't been in sports for fifteen years and just wants to get in shape or gain strength will probably never be required to snatch. In this case, a kettlebell swing would benefit more!
This is precisely the beauty of functional training: it is universally scalable; in fact, everyone can replace certain movements with more suitable ones, or choose different loads to get an equally demanding experience, each in the way that suits them best.
"How did you get into functional training?"
About four or five years ago I came across functional training on the internet and saw a "Hero workout" called The Seven. I settled into my gym and tried it.
I was in good shape then, playing semi-professional rugby, and I couldn't believe the difficulty of functional training, its speed of execution and how poor I was compared to the others. This convinced me to look for my first box (cross training gym).
"Do you feel like saying that Cross Training has changed you?"
Cross training acted as a catalyst for numerous changes in my life. I studied law at university and was about to become a lawyer… now I am a full time cross training coach, as well as running an online coaching business for people eager to enhance physical activity.
Cross training brought me this far, it was the springboard that made me understand the importance of pursuing one's passions in life.
As for physical changes, the XNUMX-year-old me would not care about the XNUMX-year-old me in almost any sporting competition.
"What is the most challenging aspect of functional training?"
For most people, the biggest challenge is having to keep their ego at bay and sometimes take a step back. When they see cross training, they immediately want to go into muscle ups or snatches with heavy loads. It's like watching a Champions League match and thinking you're the next Ronaldo!
That's not exactly how it works, you need to spend a lot of time perfecting the basics before you can appreciate any improvements. This does not mean that it is impossible to perform all the exercises that are seen in those who practice this sport, it simply takes time to get to that level. Before increasing the loads, in fact, you will have to consolidate the technique, make sure you know how to perform the strict pull up before trying the kipping pull? Up, and so on.
This also depends, in part, on the box where you train (and here we go back to talking about the scalability of cross training for the various participants).
"What would you recommend to anyone who is thinking of starting functional training?"
Find yourself a good box, don't be afraid to "climb" and ask a lot of questions. But above all have fun, cross training is not meant to be boring!
Conclusion
We believe that talking to Daniel has helped us to definitively dispel some myths and stereotypes about this sport. Whether he convinced you or not to give it a chance is a different matter ...
Would you like to know more? Read these articles on functional training.
