research
Rated
Sign in to rate item

Functional vs. Traditional Training

by Noah Hittner
Date Released : 08 Aug 2003

Question:

How should you mix functional and traditional training? Obviously, some clients will never want or need anything beyond a progressive functional program, but what about clients who are bodybuilders or who are fondly attached to their traditional routines? Of course, a base in functional training should be established with a client who has never been exposed to it, but at what point should you integrate them back into a strength-gaining type of program (not to imply that functional training does not increase strength!)? Of course, one must wean clients of such "bad" exercises as upright rows, Good Mornings and the much-loved adductor/abductor machines, but is it okay to return to a bodybuilder type of program (drop sets, pyramids, etc.)? Is it possible to periodize a training plan of functional training for a microcycle (or mesocycle) followed by a traditional training microcycle/mesocycle then another function micro/mesocycle, etc.?

.......

To view the full article, please log in or join now to become a member!

 
COMMENTS
Magedera, Carl | 20 Apr 2011, 14:44 PM
A much welcome heads up about what functional, and also periodization essentially means. I like the open-ended interpretation, that resists faddishness.