(A little School House Rock flashback.)

Functional training has been a buzz phrase for over a decade now. For many, it has meant using stability balls, medicine balls, balance devices, tubing, etc. And, while using them can aid us in our efforts to increase functional abilities, they are not functional in and of themselves.

What is function? Function is your ability to do a particular task or activity. If you haven’t thought out precisely what activity you want to improve, than all of the bells and whistles exercises are meaningless. What is functional for one person may not be for someone else.

First, define what activities need to be improved. Determine what is limiting it. Is it a lack in stability, mobility, strength, balance, or something else?

In example, say someone has difficulty climbing stairs without pulling themselves by the railing using the upper body. The issue may be strength. The most functional exercise might be, well… climbing stairs. As is often the case, people tend to do less of those things that are difficult. That only makes it more difficult. Depending on how difficult climbing stairs is, you may want to start stepping up on something that only half the height of the normal stair, or a quarter. Step up and try to maintain balance on that one leg for a moment. As you get stronger, raise the height of the step until it is full, normal step height. Then practice doing your staircase.

Another example is if you want to get better at carrying your suitcase through the airport, you may want to hold a weight in one hand and walk for a set distance (1 handed farmers walk).

So, as you think about doing functional training, remember that it’s not just about the tool you’re using, in order for it to be functional, it has to relate directly a particular activity that you want to get better at.