Functional training is an exercise that improves the purpose and performance of everyday activities. Functional training exercises work for related muscle groups and involve functional movements such as squatting, lunging, bending, and stretching. This type of training is becoming more popular with regular gym goers due to its wide variety and ability to burn calories quickly. There’s no doubt why functional training would appeal to gym-goers – it helps build strength in your core and whole body, it improves balance, agility, and flexibility, and in turn, it will also help improve sports performance. If you’re unsure about exactly what equipment you need for a functional training workout, this guide should help you work out what equipment you need for the best workout possible.
How to choose the best functional training equipment for you
Here’s what you should keep in mind as you shop for functional training equipment:
Decide on a budget
The first step in choosing functional training equipment is to decide how much you are willing to spend. If you are looking for something that is high-quality and will last, it is worth investing in higher-end equipment. However, if you are just starting, plenty of budget options are available.
The space that you have
Once you have decided what functional training equipment you want, it’s time to figure out where it will go. If you have room for it, buying a complete set is best, so everything comes together in one place. If not, consider buying individual pieces like kettlebells or pull-up bars that can be used separately or together, depending on your needs.
The Exercises That You Do Regularly
Decide which exercises you want to do and what equipment you need. Some exercises require more equipment, but this depends on how much of a challenge you want to give yourself. For example, if you do squats and lunges, you don’t need any extra equipment except dumbbells weighing up to 50 pounds each.
On the other hand, if you want to do bench presses and deadlifts, it would be wise to get a power rack so that you don’t have to hold the barbell in place while lifting it off the ground. Power racks are also suitable for performing pull-ups because they have a bar at the top that prevents users from falling off when they let go of their grip or hanging from it during pull-ups.
Comfort
If you want to move freely and comfortably, your equipment should be comfortable, and you should be able to do whatever you need without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. For example, if you’re doing pull-ups or chin-ups, you need a comfortable bar on your hands and fingers.
Easy to use
You want your equipment to be easy to use to get the most out of each workout. For example, if you have a weight bench with adjustable dumbbells, it must be easy to adjust them to be at the right height for whatever exercise you do.
Best Functional Fitness Equipment
The following are some examples of functional fitness equipment:
Suspension Trainers
Suspension trainers are an excellent tool for functional training. They allow you to perform various exercises that can be done anywhere, and the range of motion is limitless. Suspension trainers are also great for increasing balance, core strength, and proprioception (body awareness).
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are an excellent tool for getting stronger and more toned, especially compared to other forms of exercise like machine-based weight training or bodyweight exercises. If you’re looking to get stronger or build muscle, dumbbells should be your go-to piece of equipment if you want to get stronger or build muscle!
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are an excellent tool for functional training, and they can be used to develop strength and muscular endurance in the shoulders, back, legs and core. The kettlebell swing is one of the best exercises to strengthen the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
Battle Rope
Battle ropes are excellent tools to improve cardiovascular endurance, build muscle mass and increase power output. They offer a unique challenge because they require you to maintain balance while performing an exercise that requires significant upper body strength and coordination.
Slam ball
Slam balls are an excellent tool for developing power and explosive strength, and they can also be used as a conditioning tool and warm-up exercise. Slam balls are made of rubber and come in different weights. The heavier the slamball, the more challenging it is to lift and throw.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can be used for various types of exercises, including various forms of resistance training, stretching and mobility exercises, balance training, core training, and more. Resistance bands are an excellent tool for functional fitness because they can be used in many ways to provide resistance in virtually any direction or movement.
Air Bike
The air bike is an excellent piece of equipment because it works your entire body. It’s a simple concept — you pedal like you would on a stationary bike, but as you pedal, you’re also lifting your legs. The result is that your glutes and hamstrings are being worked, as well as your quads and calves.
Hand grips protect your hands.
Hand grips are a must-have if you are doing any lifting or pulling exercises with the weight barbells or dumbbells. They protect your hands from injury and allow you to use more weight than you could otherwise handle without them. If you don’t have hand grips, wear gloves with padding on them and ensure they fit properly so that they don’t slip off during your workout routine.
Yoga mattress
Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your overall fitness, and a yoga mattress can help you get started on your practice. They are also great for home gyms, as they help you stretch and work out without putting too much strain on your joints. This can be especially helpful if you have any injuries or are looking for an alternative exercise routine.
Skipping rope
A skipping rope is a classic piece of functional fitness equipment that will help you burn calories and increase your endurance levels. It’s also easy to transport, so it can be used at home or while traveling. Skipping ropes come in all shapes and sizes — some have handles, others have balls attached — so there are plenty of options to choose depending on the type of workout you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Your body must have all the right tools for the job. So what should you look for in functional training equipment? That depends mainly on your specific needs. Be sure to do your homework when you look at functional training equipment and make sure it’s something that will work for you and your functional training needs.