How can you keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician?

1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician is to join professional associations that are relevant to your field and interests. For example, you can join the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or the Functional Movement Systems (FMS). These associations offer access to journals, newsletters, webinars, conferences, and workshops that cover the latest research, trends, and best practices in functional training. You can also network with other physicians and experts who share your passion and learn from their experiences.

2 Follow online platforms

Another way to keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician is to follow online platforms that provide credible and useful information. For example, you can follow blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, or social media accounts that are run by reputable functional training professionals, such as Gray Cook, Mike Boyle, Dan John, or Eric Cressey. These platforms offer practical tips, insights, and demonstrations of functional training exercises and programs. You can also interact with the content creators and other followers and ask questions or share feedback.

3 Take online courses

A third way to keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician is to take online courses that are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills. For example, you can take courses offered by the ACSM, the NSCA, or the FMS that are specific to functional training. These courses cover topics such as functional anatomy, assessment, programming, coaching, and injury prevention. You can also earn continuing education credits or certifications that can boost your credibility and career prospects.

4 Read books and articles

A fourth way to keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician is to read books and articles that are written by authoritative and experienced functional training authors. For example, you can read books such as Movement by Gray Cook, Advances in Functional Training by Mike Boyle, or Functional Training for Sports by Michael Clark. These books provide comprehensive and in-depth information on the principles, methods, and applications of functional training. You can also read articles from peer-reviewed journals, magazines, or websites that feature the latest research and evidence-based practices in functional training.

5 Practice and experiment

A fifth way to keep up with the latest functional training techniques as a physician is to practice and experiment with them yourself. You can apply what you learn from the sources mentioned above to your own exercise routine or to your patients' programs. You can also try new exercises, variations, or equipment that challenge your functional abilities and test your results. By doing so, you can gain firsthand experience and feedback on the effectiveness and suitability of different functional training techniques. You can also discover what works best for you and your patients and what needs improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?