Functional Training Still A Myth

[Dreamliner]

Test compared more conventional core exercises, like planks, to unstable core exercises, like those using a medicine ball. Test concluded that the unstable movements did not yield improvements over stable movements in dynamic field tests.

Again, no need to chase novelty. Get stronger using conventional movements and practice the demands of your sport:

http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed/21943626

[oI2ange]

link is no good for me.

[Dreamliner]

Sorry, try this:

http://jamessteeleii.blogspot.com/2012/01/skill-is-task-specific.html

[toon66]

What about a combo or mix of both?

[Dreamliner]

What about a combo or mix of both?

As far as I'm concerned you can do what you want. Just be aware of what your choice of exercises is accomplishing for you and what it is not accomplishing for you.

[LeafUF]

Saw a girl the other day kneeling on an exercise ball, doing dumbbell shoulder press. In that scenario I am sure she is working on balance, her core and shoulders. Maybe not the most effective way for any of them but I guess if you are pressed for time and want to train a few things at once its not bad.

I have terrible balance, id probably fly off the ball, hit myself in the head with one weight and break the gym mirrors with the other. I think I will stick to military press, planks and falling over in safer places than the gym.

[Dreamliner]

Saw a girl the other day kneeling on an exercise ball, doing dumbbell shoulder press. In that scenario I am sure she is working on balance, her core and shoulders. Maybe not the most effective way for any of them but I guess if you are pressed for time and want to train a few things at once its not bad.

I have terrible balance, id probably fly off the ball, hit myself in the head with one weight and break the gym mirrors with the other. I think I will stick to military press, planks and falling over in safer places than the gym.

I'd be interested to find out whether this actually helps the young lady's balance. Next time to see her, touch her, prod her, just to see. Then report findings.

[mgloving]

Can't say this is too surprising. However, one benefit of the functional training movement is that, while most of the exercises aren't any more effective, they can be more interesting/fun to perform. Exercising is as much of a mental grind as physical for a lot of people and if the movement challenges/stimulates them enough to keep their interest then it is all good.
There is no question, though that the best way to improve performance is to perform. Exercise makes it easier for you to do well things that you enjoy doing.

[LeafUF]

I'd be interested to find out whether this actually helps the young lady's balance. Next time to see her, touch her, prod her, just to see. Then report findings.

Ha, I will be sure to post the police report, the cancellation of my gym membership or both.

[Dreamliner]

Can't say this is too surprising. However, one benefit of the functional training movement is that, while most of the exercises aren't any more effective, they can be more interesting/fun to perform. Exercising is as much of a mental grind as physical for a lot of people and if the movement challenges/stimulates them enough to keep their interest then it is all good.
There is no question, though that the best way to improve performance is to perform. Exercise makes it easier for you to do well things that you enjoy doing.

That's a very good point. In fact, I would go so far as to say that some of the more 'functional' exercises are more appropriate for the average person for whom training IS one's sport. For them, "How many snatches can I do in five minutes ?" would be the competition.

For the competitive athlete, whose sport is an injury waiting to happen, they arguably have a lower margin for error in their training.