Collection: Functional

Functional exercise and training can be a good way to keep your body moving. Functional training refers to exercise that helps you with everyday activities. Many CrossFit exercises are based on functional movements. Such movements are:

  • getting up off the floor
  • carrying heavy objects
  • putting something up on a shelf

Strengthening the muscles in the same way you would need to use them for certain tasks, reduces your risk of injury and increases your quality of life.

Kettlebells, Suspension Trainers, Slam Balls, Medicine Balls, Bosu Balls, Battle Ropes, Resistance Bands, and plyo boxes are all great examples of gym equipment that can be used for functional training. They are also generally very versatile and easy to store and carry, so great for home gym training.

Due to the need to stabilize your body in three dimensions, muscle activation using a suspension training system is higher than what you can achieve with traditional resistance training, according to research. This makes it a highly efficient and effective form of exercise training.

Researchers tested four suspension exercises (hip abduction in plank, hamstring curl, chest press, and 45° row) and found core muscle activity higher than with similar exercises performed on stable and unstable support surfaces (like a weight bench or stability ball).