To touch on my previously divulged feelings about the stigma of SOME people in this industry, I want to talk a little bit more about the obsession with functional training. A lot of trainers, gyms, performance centers etc. now advertise that they offer "Functional Training." My question is this: What the hell were you doing before? In my own unimportant and marginally recognized opinion, nearly all training is functional to a certain degree. My hunch is that the term was resurrected with the birth of crossfit (which still makes me throw up in my mouth) and that's what they're using to bait the market with.
That's one opinion. Here's mine:
1. First of all, functional training doesn't mean you have to be using kettlebells or plyometrics or standing on your head. I'll explain more about this in a bit.
2. It's audacious to prescribe certain types of exercise to someone before you know their goals, limitations, training history, etc.
3. Know what you're talking about before you make a recommendation.
Here's how I would (and do) break down my priorities when I'm a) training by myself, or b) helping someone else.
- Assessment should expose a weaknesses or goals.
- Goals should determine where to start training.
- Training should change periodically based on adaptation and achievement of goals.
More simply, not only do I think that all training is functional, I think all training is useful, but nothing lasts forever. As your goals change, so should your methods of training. As adaptations occur, you should adjust your training methods as well. So now I'm a heathen because I don't tout any buzzwords as the roots of my training philosophy. Bummer.
Now, I'm still relatively athletic, make very few compensatory efforts under circa-max loading, and can perform pretty complex multi-planar movements. In my opinion, I have an above average capacity for functional movement. remember the pyramid from Post 17? For this reason, I don't feel that "functional training is the best thing for you" given my current situation. Because of this, my goals are not to develop better motor control or movement patterns. In fact my current goals are almost a prescription for regression in complex motor control. I must be absolutely mental! In any case, I do have goals, and I think it's somewhat arrogant to advocate these new one-size-fits all philosophy to everyone.
When we consider making a substantial purchase, we essentially consider two things, functionality and appearance. We all want a Hummer to drive to work, but is that practical? Does your training serve a purpose to you, or are you in a popularity contest? Your goals should be the first thing you consider when you're going to adopt a new training protocol. Moreover, a lot people have some vehement disinclination to alter their training parameters in order to achieve new levels of success. That's why the same guy has his buddy deadlift 300 pounds off his chest week after week while he's STILL benching 250 on his own (maybe.) It's efficient though, when both of you are working at the same time I guess...
What I fear is that through my articles, I could be leading some people to miss the forest for the trees. Paying too much attention to the cool stuff that happens as a result of certain training methods and not taking a look at the big picture. Basically, the going acceptance is that functional training is rooted in rehabilitation and that people were adopting these methodologies to help them get back to accomplishing day-to-day tasks. In the world of training athletes, functional training is what makes them athletic. Our job is to keep them free from injury, and prepare them to better handle and master the skills their individual sport coaches have laid out for them. We don't necessarily make better tennis players, volleyball players, basketball players etc. we provide them the tools to become better once their specific sport coaches hold up their end of the bargain.
Now I'm tired and rattled.
-Alex
No comments:
Post a Comment
Give us your thoughts!