Strength vs Function: Too Far from Center of True Function?

by Michael Boyle | Date Released : 07 Jun 2007

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Introduction
We have moved too far from center
Functional buzz word
Should we really move in the gym how we move in life and sport?
Can we train for blind-side tackles in football?
Functional experts have everything standing and multi-planar
Masters of function – therapists
Is the trickle down reaching the masses?
Tangential fitness industry
Walk a mile in my shoes
PT clients, limited time and abilities
Qi Gong
We need to re-examine function
We are rejecting a lot of great research
Core functions – stability, three planes of movement and rotation
As important to stabilize as t move in three planes
One plane of motion and two planes of stability
Initial impetus for functional training was right
Relative flexibility and relative function
Feeding the dysfunction monster
Are we enhancing function or paraphrasing concepts we’ve heard?
Solution – get proficient in the sagittal plane
Low body work – unilateral
One leg squats, lunging, some unsupported activity
One leg straight dead lift
Simple progressions for other planes
Lack of progressions is the biggest failing
Push ups more functional than bench press
Pulling difficult to do functional
Combine convention with function
Tweaking – most people don’t know enough to tweak
Progressions – sagittal – frontal – transverse
Do these people on a daily basis do what I do?
Most functional proponents in rehab, not strength training
Don’t discard what’s working

About the author: Michael Boyle

Michael Boyle is known internationally for his pioneering work in the field of strength and conditioning and is regarded as one of the top experts in the area for sports performance training. He has made his mark on the industry over the past 30 years with an impressive following of professional athletes, from the US Women’s Olympic teams in soccer and ice hockey to the Boston Bruins, Boston Breakers, New England Revolution, and most recently the Boston Red Sox. His client list over the years reads like a "Who’s Who" of athletic success in New England and across the country including legendary Boston names such as Nomar Garciaparra, Cam Neely, and Ray Bourque.

Mike is a featured speaker at numerous strength and conditioning and athletic training clinics across the country and has produced many instructional videos and DVDs in the areas of strength and conditioning, personal training and rehabilitation.

In 2012, Michael was selected to become part of the Boston Red Sox coaching staff, acting as a strength and conditioning consultant for the team.

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