--- title: What is Functional Strength Training? description: Functional Training is a great way to get and stay in shape. 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Published by [Push Pedal Pull](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/author/push-pedal-pull) on Oct 19, 2015, 2:30:00 PM # **Understanding Functional Strength Training** We’ve all heard of strength training - using your body weight, free weights, or machines to strengthen your muscles. Body builders and casual gym members tend to move around the circuits and strength train regularly - and there’s no harm in that. But what many people really *need* - especially those recovering from injuries or training in sports programs - is *functional* strength training. ## **What is Functional Strength Training?** Functional strength training originated, believe it or not, in medical ![](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/hubfs/FunctionalTraining.jpg)rehabilitation and physical therapy programs. The rehabilitation specialists looked closely at people who had trouble with certain types of movement, or who had been injured, and attempted to create exercises that not only strengthened the muscle but prepared them for normal, day-to-day movement. Strengthening the muscles used in daily activities not only provides normal strength benefits but helps to make normal activity less strenuous, thus preventing common injuries. ## **Functional Strength in Sports** Functional strength training becomes especially important in the world of sports, where muscular and orthopedic injuries tend to be par for the course. As we look at the movements used in different sports - like football or soccer, for example - we can devise functional strength training plans that help to not only improve endurance but strengthen the muscles needed most to protect the joints. Ball players may need to suddenly cut side to side, putting excruciating pressure on the ankle and knee joints traditionally designed to propel him forward or backward more easily than side to side. Choosing exercises that focus on the muscles needed for these specific movements is critical. ## **Do I Need Special Equipment?** Not necessarily. Some functional strength training can be done with your body weight or with common pieces of equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, medicine balls, or even exercise balls. Other exercises incorporate more advanced pieces of equipment, like [vibration equipment](http://www.pushpedalpull.com/categories/vibration-training/), suspension systems, and slideboards. When opting for functional strength training, it is important to make sure you are working the entire muscle group in question - not just one or two. If in doubt, consult your sports coach or personal trainer for assistance devising a plan that is appropriate for your daily activities or training goals. You won’t regret the decision to focus on functional strength. ### Subscribe Here! ### Topics ### Top Posts Tags: [Functional Training](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/topic/functional-training) [Back to Blog](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com) ## Related Articles ## [Best Home Gym in 2020](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/best-home-gym-in-2020) Best Home Gym in 2020 If there is one method of training that I feel most everyone should... [Read More](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/best-home-gym-in-2020) ## [Functional Fitness Workouts: What's Your Sport?](https://blog.pushpedalpull.com/functional-fitness-workouts-whats-your-sport) Functional Fitness Workouts: What’s Your Sport? Back in October we introduced the concept of ... 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