functional strength training equipment

what is functional strength training?

If you’re someone who’s looking for a workout that’s more than just lifting weights, you may have heard the term “functional strength training” being thrown around. But what is functional strength training and how is it different from traditional weightlifting? 

This article provides everything you need to know about functional strength training – what it is, how to use it, its benefits, and much more.

What is Functional Strength Training?

Functional strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on building strength in movements that mimic real-life activities or sports. It emphasizes movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, rather than isolating individual muscles. The goal of functional strength training is to improve your overall movement patterns and body mechanics, making everyday activities easier and reducing the risk of injury.

Functional strength training often incorporates equipment such as medicine balls, resistance bands, and stability balls, which can help to improve stability, balance, and coordination.

How to do Functional Strength Training

Functional strength training can be done by anyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, a weekend warrior looking to stay healthy and injury-free, or someone who simply wants to move better in their day-to-day life, functional strength training can be a valuable addition to your workout routine.

To get started with functional strength training, it’s important to first assess your current movement patterns and identify any areas that need improvement. This can be done with the help of a qualified trainer or through self-assessment using videos or other resources. Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, you can begin incorporating functional strength exercises into your routine.

Some examples of functional strength exercises include:

  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Deadlifts
  • Pushups
  • Pullups
  • Rows
  • Planks
  • Medicine ball throws
  • Resistance band exercises

When performing these exercises, you should focus on proper form and technique. This will help to ensure that you’re targeting the correct muscles and reducing the risk of injury. Remember to start with lighter weights or resistance bands and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable with the movements.

Benefits

Improved Movement Patterns

Functional strength training can help to improve your movement patterns and body mechanics, making everyday activities easier and more efficient. By focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities, you’ll be better prepared to handle physical challenges both in and out of the gym.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Because functional strength training focuses on compound movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, it can help to reduce the risk of injury. By improving your overall stability, balance, and coordination, you’ll be less likely to experience strains, sprains, or other common injuries.

Increased Strength and Muscle Mass

While functional strength training may not target individual muscles in the same way as traditional weightlifting, it can still help to build overall strength and muscle mass. Because functional strength exercises often involve heavier weights or resistance bands, they can be just as effective at building muscle as isolation exercises.

Improved Athletic Performance

Functional strength training is especially beneficial for athletes, as it can help to improve performance in sports that require explosive movements, such as sprinting, jumping, or throwing. By focusing on movements that mimic the demands of your sport, you’ll be better prepared to perform at your best.

Functional Strength Training vs. Traditional Weightlifting

While functional strength training and traditional weightlifting share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two:

Movement Patterns

Functional strength training focuses on movements that mimic real-life activities or sports, while traditional weightlifting typically involves isolated exercises that target individual muscles.

Equipment

Functional strength training often incorporates equipment such as medicine balls, resistance bands, and stability balls, which can help to improve stability, balance, and coordination. Traditional weightlifting typically involves using free weights or weight machines.

Injury Risk

Because functional strength training focuses on compound movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, it can help to reduce the risk of injury. Traditional weightlifting may be more likely to cause injury due to the repetitive use of certain muscle groups.

Tips for Incorporating Functional Strength Training into Your Routine

  • Start with bodyweight exercises before progressing to weighted exercises.
  • Focus on proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injury and ensure that you’re targeting the correct muscles.
  • Incorporate functional strength exercises into your existing workout routine, rather than replacing it entirely.
  • Gradually increase the intensity and weight of your exercises as you become more comfortable with the movements.
  • Consider working with a qualified trainer to help assess your movement patterns and develop a personalized exercise plan.

FAQs

  1. Who can benefit from functional strength training? Functional strength training is beneficial for individuals of all fitness levels and ages. It can help athletes improve sports performance, older adults maintain independence, and anyone seeking to enhance everyday activities and reduce the risk of injuries.
  2. Is functional strength training suitable for weight loss? Yes, functional strength training can aid in weight loss. It increases muscle mass, which can boost metabolism and calorie burning. Additionally, it helps improve overall fitness, making it easier to engage in other forms of exercise for weight management.
  3. How often should I do functional strength training workouts? The frequency of functional strength training workouts depends on your fitness goals and schedule. However, aiming for at least two to three sessions per week is a good starting point. Allow sufficient time for muscle recovery between sessions.
  4. Can functional strength training help with rehabilitation or injury prevention? Yes, functional strength training can be valuable for rehabilitation after certain injuries and for preventing injuries in the first place. It can improve joint stability, flexibility, and muscular balance, reducing the risk of common injuries.
  5. Do I need special equipment for functional strength training? While some exercises can be done with little to no equipment (using body weight), functional strength training often involves the use of equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, and stability balls. The choice of equipment depends on your goals and fitness level.

Final Takeaway

Functional strength training is a highly effective way to improve overall strength, mobility, and athletic performance. By focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities or sports, functional strength training can help prepare you for physical challenges both in and out of the gym. Whether you’re an athlete looking to take your performance to the next level, or simply someone who wants to move better in their day-to-day life, functional strength training is definitely worth considering as part of your workout routine.

Top 10 Exercises for Inner Thighs you can do at home

If you’re someone who’s looking to tone and strengthen their inner thighs, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand that it can be challenging to know what exercises to do to target this area specifically. However, with the right guidance and a consistent routine, you can achieve your desired results in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over some of the best exercises for inner thighs that you can do at home or in the gym. Scrolling down!

Benefits of Inner-Thigh Exercises

Inner-thigh exercises, also known as adductor exercises, target the adductor muscles, which are a group of muscles located on the inner side of the thighs. These muscles play an important role in hip movement and stability.

There are many benefits to doing inner-thigh exercises, including:

Improved balance and stability

our inner thighs play a crucial role in maintaining the alignment of your hips and legs. This improved alignment can work wonders for your balance and stability, making it particularly valuable for older adults and individuals at risk of falls. Strong inner thighs help you stay on your feet with confidence.

Reduced risk of injury

The robustness of your inner thigh muscles acts as a protective shield for your knees and hips during physical activities like running, jumping, and squatting. They stabilize these joints, reducing the risk of injury and promoting safe movement.

Improved athletic performance

Developing strong inner thighs can significantly elevate your performance in sports such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. With more powerful and agile leg movements, you can outmaneuver opponents and excel in your chosen sport.

Reduced pain

Strong inner thighs come to the rescue when it comes to pain relief. They provide essential support and stability to your knees, hips, and lower back, which can be a game-changer for reducing discomfort and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Improved appearance

Beyond the functional benefits, let’s not forget the aesthetics. Strengthening your inner thighs can sculpt and tone this often-underappreciated area, giving you a more defined and sculpted appearance. So, say hello to those confident strides and beach-ready thighs!

Top 10 Exercises for Inner Thighs

Inner Thigh Lifts

This exercise isolates the inner thigh muscles (adductors) as you lift your leg against gravity, providing resistance and toning the inner thigh area.

  • Lie on your side with your bottom leg bent and your top leg straight.
  • Lift your top leg as high as you can while keeping it straight.
  • Lower it back down without letting it touch your bottom leg.
  • Repeat for a set of reps on one side, then switch to the other.

Leg Circles

Leg circles engage the inner thighs as you control the circular motion, helping to improve flexibility and strengthen the inner thigh muscles.

  • Lie on your back with your arms by your sides.
  • Lift one leg straight up, then make small circles in the air with your foot.
  • Reverse the direction of the circles.
  • Do a set of reps with one leg, then switch to the other.

Inner Thigh Squeeze

Placing an object between your knees creates resistance, making the adductors work to squeeze and engage, helping to tone and strengthen the inner thighs.

  • Place a small ball, pillow, or resistance band between your knees.
  • Squeeze your knees together as tightly as you can.
  • Hold for a few seconds, then release.

Repeat for a set of reps.

Sumo Squats

Sumo squats target the inner thighs by emphasizing a wide stance, forcing the adductors to engage during the squatting motion for stability and strength.

  • Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and toes pointed slightly outward.
  • Lower your body into a squat, keeping your back straight and chest up.
  • Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for a set of reps.

Side Lunges

Side lunges engage the inner thighs when you push off and return to the starting position, working the adductor muscles while promoting flexibility.

Stand with your feet together.

  • Take a step to the side with one leg, keeping the other leg straight.
  • Bend the knee of the leg you stepped with, keeping the other leg extended.
  • Push off the bent leg to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat on the other side for a set of reps.

Plie Squats

Similar to sumo squats, plie squats are wide-stance squats that emphasize the inner thighs, providing resistance during the squatting and standing phases.

  • Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and toes pointed outward.
  • Lower your body into a squat, keeping your back straight and chest up.
  • Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for a set of reps.

Bridge with Leg Lifts

Bridge with leg lifts targets the inner thighs as you lift one leg while keeping your hips elevated, engaging the adductors and glutes for strength and stability.

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Lift your hips off the ground to create a bridge position.
  • Lift one leg straight up toward the ceiling while keeping your hips elevated.
  • Lower the leg back down and switch to the other side.
  • Repeat for a set of reps.

Scissor Kicks

Scissor kicks work the inner thighs through a dynamic motion that involves lifting and crossing one leg over the other, engaging the adductors throughout the exercise.

  • Lie on your back with your hands under your hips for support.
  • Lift both legs a few inches off the ground.
  • Cross one leg over the other and switch in a scissor-like motion.
  • Continue switching your legs for a set of reps.

Wall Sit with Ball Squeeze

Wall sits engage the entire leg, while squeezing a ball between your knees focuses on the inner thigh muscles, promoting strength and endurance.

  • Stand with your back against a wall and lower into a seated position.
  • Place a ball or pillow between your knees.
  • Squeeze the ball or pillow while holding the wall sit position.
  • Hold for a set amount of time or for a specific number of breaths.

Resistance Band Leg Press

This exercise uses a resistance band to create tension as you press your legs outward, targeting the adductor muscles while improving leg strength and flexibility.

  • Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
  • Loop a resistance band around your feet and hold the ends in your hands.
  • Press your legs outward against the resistance of the band, then return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for a set of reps.

Tips for Inner-Thigh Exercises

Be sure to listen to your body and rest when needed. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Start slow: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Begin with a manageable workload and gradually increase as you get stronger.
  • Focus on form: Proper form is crucial to getting the most out of your workouts and avoiding injury.
  • Mix it up: Incorporate different exercises into your routine to work out different parts of your inner thighs and prevent boredom.
  • Consistency is key: Aim to exercise your inner thighs at least two to three times per week for optimal results.

Workouts Using Exercises for Inner Thighs

If you’re not quite sure how to structure your workouts, here are a couple of examples to get you started :

Bodyweight Inner Thigh Circuit

This workout requires no equipment, making it perfect for when you’re short on time or can’t make it to the gym.

  • Sumo Squats – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Inner Thigh Leg Lifts – 3 sets of 10-12 reps on each side
  • Side Lunges – 3 sets of 10-12 reps on each side
  • Butterfly Stretch – hold for 15-30 seconds, repeat twice

Rest for 30 seconds between each exercise and 1 minute between sets.

Gym-Based Inner Thigh Workout

If you have access to a gym, this workout incorporates both bodyweight and machine exercises to give you a well-rounded inner thigh workout.

  • Wide Stance Leg Press – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Inner Thigh Leg Lifts – 3 sets of 10-12 reps on each side
  • Side Lunges – 3 sets of 10-12 reps on each side
  • Butterfly Stretch – hold for 15-30 seconds, repeat twice

Rest for 30 seconds between each exercise and 1 minute between sets.

Bodyweight vs. Machine Exercises for Inner Thighs

When it comes to targeting your inner thighs, both bodyweight and machine exercises can be effective. However, they do have some key differences to keep in mind.

Bodyweight exercises such as sumo squats and side lunges tend to be more versatile and adaptable, allowing you to modify the exercises based on your fitness level. They also tend to engage your stabilizing muscles more and require more balance and coordination.

On the other hand, machine exercises like the leg press allow you to isolate your inner thighs more effectively, resulting in a more targeted workout. Machines can also be beneficial for those who need additional support or have limited mobility.

Ultimately, both bodyweight and machine exercises have their place in a well-rounded inner thigh workout routine. Try incorporating a mix of both into your workouts to see what works best for you.

Advice for Staying Motivated

  • Set realistic goals: Having specific, measurable goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
  • Find a workout buddy: Working out with a friend can make exercising more enjoyable and hold you accountable.
  • Mix up your routine: Trying new exercises or workouts can prevent boredom and keep things interesting.
  • Celebrate small wins: Don’t underestimate the power of celebrating your progress, no matter how small it may seem.

FAQs

  1. Can I target my inner thighs without equipment? Yes, many bodyweight exercises can effectively target your inner thighs, such as sumo squats and side lunges.
  2. How often should I exercise my inner thighs? Aim to exercise your inner thighs at least 2-3 times per week for optimal results.
  3. Will these exercises make my thighs bigger? While these exercises can help you build strength and muscle in your inner thighs, they won’t necessarily make them bigger unless combined with a calorie surplus and weight training.
  4. How long does it take to see results from inner thigh exercises? It varies from person to person, but with consistent effort and proper nutrition, you can expect to see noticeable results within 4-6 weeks.
  5. Can inner thigh exercises help with cellulite? While exercise alone cannot completely eliminate cellulite, it can help reduce its appearance by improving muscle tone and circulation in the affected area.

Final Takeaway

Remember to start slowly, focusing on proper form and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts. Whether you choose to do bodyweight exercises or utilize gym equipment, both approaches have their advantages and can be effective in targeting your inner thighs.

Staying motivated throughout your fitness journey is crucial. Set realistic goals, find a workout buddy, mix up your routine, and celebrate your progress along the way. With determination and consistency, you will see results and achieve stronger and more sculpted inner thighs.

So what are you waiting for? Start incorporating these exercises for your inner thighs into your workout routine today and enjoy the benefits they bring. Your legs will thank you!