The words function and functional training have been bastardized and trivialized to the point that they are virtually meaningless. We need to come up with a better more exact term that is descriptive of function and functional training. Certainly everything and anything that involves movement is functional, it is just how functional it is? I don’t have a solution to this dilemma, but I am very concerned. The dangerous “stuff” that I see marketed as functional training alarms me. Anyone can make someone tired and keep them entertained, but is it really training with a purpose or goal? Frankly I find myself rarely if ever using the word function or functional training because it conjures up images in people’s minds that I do not stand for. Many people consider me the father of functional training, but what I see now in many cases are bastard stepchildren out to make a fast a fast buck with no interest in advancing the profession of coaching and sound training of athletes. In many cases these programs are dangerous and actually hurt people. I would be interested in your ideas and input to help get us back on the true functional path.
5 Comments
James Marshall
I like “Applied” : if it doesn’t have a purpose or effect outside of the gym, then what is the point?
Preparation- Adaptation- Application
However, I suspect a thesauraus might think that is the same as functional.
Mark Nutting, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Functional is still functional as a term. We know what it really means and that holds up. It IS the misuse and misunderstanding of the term that screws it up. And there is no real answer other than to constantly and consistently clarify what is meant by functionally. “Applied” would eventually suffer the same fate as would any other term. Less knowledgeable practitioners (and the media, of course)grasp a sound bite and run with it without catching the full meaning.
Like you, Mike, I don’t have the answer, but I don’t believe that changing the term will make a difference.
Mark Nutting, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Ooops, sorry, Vern, don’t know why I said Mike. Anyway, like you, Vern, I don’t have the answer…
Best wishes, Mark
Joseph Sinagoga
Hey Vern
It seems like the “hard exercise” crowd defines functional fitness as fitness that prepares you for the unknown and unknowable. So there isn’t really a purpose or goal.
They come up with their own definitions of elite and functional, and hold their own competition.
Keep up the good work Vern! I’m learning so much from you!
Joseph Sinagoga
Wayne
I used to do strongman and we trained for “FUNCTIONAL” Strength. For pressing strength, standing military presses were king. I’d alternate between traditional barbell, axles, and even logs. Because who ever presses laying on their back? Not to mention we do everything standing up, so we shouldn’t do any sitting/laying. Then I started doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. “Functional” became a whole other word for me. I had to start fighting and defending submissions off my back. At the time, I was thinking, “Damn… I should’ve focused on bench presses more because they are more functional than military presses.” Haha