Functional training is a classification of exercise which involves training the body for the

activities performed in daily life.

Functional training has its origins in rehabilitation. Physical and Occupational therapists
and Chiropractors often use this approach to retrain patients with movement disorders.
Functional training, if performed correctly, will lead to better joint mobility and stability,
as well as more efficient motor patterns. Improving these factors decreases the potential
for an injury sustained during an athletic endeavor. performance in a sport.[citation
needed] The benefits may arise from the use of training that emphasizes the body's
natural ability to move in six degrees of freedom.[3] In comparison, though machines
appears to be safer to use, they restrict movements to a single plane of motion, which is
an unnatural form of movement for the body and may potentially lead to faulty
movement patterns or injury.[4] In 2009 Spennewyn conducted research, published in the
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research which compared functional training to
fixed variable training techniques, this was considered the first research of its type
comparing the two methods of strength training.

Equipment[edit]
Some options include:

Clubbells
Macebells
Cable machines
Barbells
Dumbbells
Medicine balls
Kettlebells
Bodyweight training
Physioballs (also called Swiss balls or exercise balls)
Resistance tubes
Rocker and wobble boards
Whole Body Vibration equipment (also called WBV or Acceleration Training)
Balance disks
Sandbags
Suspension system
Slideboard
Redcord

Components of a functional exercise

program[edit]
To be effective, a functional exercise program should include a number of different
elements which can be adapted to an individual's needs or goals:[6]

Based on functional tasks directed toward everyday life activities.

Individualized a training program should be tailored to each individual. Any
program must be specific to the goals of an individual, focusing on meaningful
tasks. It must also be specific to the individual state of health, including presence
or history of injury. An assessment should be performed to help guide exercise
selection and training load.
Integrated It should include a variety of exercises that work on flexibility, core,
balance, strength and power, focusing on multiple movement planes.
Progressive Progressive training steadily increases the difficulty of the task.
Periodized mainly by training with distributed practice and varying the tasks.
Repeated frequently.
Use of real life object manipulation.
Performed in context-specific environments.
Feedback should be incorporated following performance (self-feedback of success
is used as well as trainer/therapist feedback).