What is functional training and why should I join a SHAPE class at THE ROOM Abu Dhabi?
Mim Kleiberg
Let’s first start with the ‘Why Should I join a SHAPE class?’
In short, SHAPE is
FUN – ENERGETIC – EFFECTIVE – SAFE – CARDIO – STRENGTH – INTERVAL TRAINING
At THE ROOM our SHAPE classes are led by highly skilled instructors in sessions with limited participants to ensure correct posture and movement. Classes are given with safety of the participants in mind. As numbers are limited the trainer can offer and monitor various degrees of difficulty of exercises that are given to participants to meet individual needs.
Classes combine functional movement with cardiovascular interval training to create an all in one class to burn fat and boost the metabolism.
Let’s get somewhat deeper in the strengthening component of the SHAPE classes at THE ROOM. What exactly is functional training?
Functional Training is a form of exercise which strengthens the body to support everyday movement, balance and control. It prepares your muscles for the work that these muscles perform in everyday life and prevents injury by aiding movement. Whilst the majority of functional training can be done with no equipment but your own body, weights and exercise, training aids can be used to boost the strength of muscles over certain planes of movement. Training aids include kettle bells, smash balls, ropes, suspension trainers and jump boxes.
Natural movement
Examples of functional movement include squatting (used in movements such as standing up and sitting from a chair or shoulder press like lifting a heavy object to place it on a shelf. Functional movement incorporates compound (combined) muscle movement in contrast with some strength training that isolates certain muscles.
Because most functional training includes multiple muscle movements, the core, or powerhouse of the body is engaged and strengthened. This supports the foundation of the body and improves not only overall strength, but stability and balance as well. This means that functional training is important in the aspect of reducing the risk of falls and other injury.
Why Functional strength training is different from other forms of strength training:
1. Functional movement incorporates compound (combined) muscle movement in contrast with some strength training that isolates certain muscles.
2. Functional movement works with the natural planes of movement of the body, meaning that the body only trains in the way that it was designed to move.
Mim Kleiberg is a Star 3 Spinning Instructor, personal trainer and Co-owner of THE ROOM Abu Dhabi with qualifications in Olympic Weight Lifting, Kettle-bells & Functional Training. She is an avid cyclist and triathlon competitor and is currently training for long distance triathlon.