Functional Fitness is not only one of the latest "buzz words" in the exercise industry, but in 2010, the American College of Sports Medicine named Functional Fitness as one of the top fitness trends. Functional fitness workouts utilize muscle integration and synergistic movement to help you perform daily activities such as walking, lifting and bending in order to prevent injury. In the sports world, functional fitness focuses on targeted training in which simulators are sometimes used to mimic movements specific to your sport.
Description
Functional Fitness workouts use a variety of tools, such as kettlebells, free weights and balance boards, to challenge your body and train your muscles to work together as a whole. For example, a squat to a bicep curl uses multi-joint action and mimics the action of picking up a small child or tool box. Multi-directional lunges holding kettlebells in your hands mimics the action of raking leaves, starting a lawn mower or pushing a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, functional exercises translate into everyday movement.
Simulator for Baseball
In the baseball world, the technology of functional fitness goes far beyond the old standard batting cage. Today there are entire facilities dedicated to improving every aspect of an athlete's performance. For example, the Pro Batter baseball system offers players of all ability levels to work on execution skills with a video pitching simulator that you can use for both baseball and softball. Batters in the major leagues use the simulator as part of their regular training. Catchers can also benefit from the simulator.
Horse Riding Simulators
Functional exercise simulator technology has also reached the equestrian industry. A horse riding simulator called the Counter Balance Exercise machine works the body by using multi-directional movements to help a rider improve balance, coordination and posture. The low-impact exercise machine effectively strengthens the muscles of the spine while simultaneously increasing flexibility and improving motor function. As a functional fitness training tool, it also helps burn body fat and improve cardiovascular health.
Golf Functional Fitness
Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their swing and better their handicap. Simulator exercises for golfers vary from mimicking the golf swing action using resistance equipment to standing in front of video training tools. Golfers need core stability and multi-joint flexibility to enhance performance as well as to prevent injury. An example of a functional exercise using simulation techniques would be to hold a medicine ball in both hands and go through the motion of a golf swing.
