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Id argue that weve fallen into a trap: overcomplicating our workouts.
Yes, itisthat simple.
What is functional training?
We know theeffects of functional trainingare well-documented, but what does it all mean?
It can even boost eachcomponent of physical fitness.
However, pushing exercises can technically be lower-body, too.
For the lower body, primarily the quadriceps, hips and glutes.
The pull
Perhaps my favorite because more sedentary lives are weakening our posture!
Pulling exercises draw the load or body part toward you the opposite of pushing.
Thinkrows,deadlifts, orpull-ups.
When I think “pull,” I immediately think “posture.”
The hinge
Next, we have the hinge.
Think thegood morningexercise, deadlift variations andkettlebell swings.
The hinge is more hamstring and glute-focused.
It’s a front-body dominant exercise, targeting the quads heavily.
What are the five best compound lifts for building functional strength and muscle?
Each more requires core engagement for trunk stability and to support the spine.
Then, you might color in the rest of your routine with variations of the things you love.
They hit the most muscle groups in each plane, are fuss-free and endlessly scalable.
