How do you use functional training equipment with other workouts?

1 What is functional training equipment?

Functional training equipment is any tool that helps you mimic or enhance the movements you do in real life or in your sport. Examples of these tools include kettlebells, which are weighted balls with handles that can be swung, lifted, or carried to work on the core, hips, shoulders, and grip. TRX is a suspension system that uses your bodyweight and gravity to create resistance; you can adjust the difficulty by changing the angle of your body or the length of the straps. Resistance bands are elastic bands that can be attached to a door, a pole, or yourself to create tension. Medicine balls are weighted balls that can be thrown, caught, slammed, or rolled to work on power, speed, agility, and coordination. Lastly, BOSU is a half-dome device with a flat side and a curved side; it can be used to work on balance, core, and proprioception by standing, sitting, lying, or jumping on it.

2 How to incorporate functional training equipment with other workouts

One way to use functional training equipment with other workouts is to add them as a supplement or a finisher. For example, you can do a kettlebell swing after a strength workout to boost your cardiovascular system and burn more calories. Or you can do a TRX row after a cardio workout to strengthen your back and posture. You can also use functional training equipment as a circuit or an interval training. For example, you can do a resistance band squat, a medicine ball slam, a TRX push-up, and a BOSU jump as a circuit for 4 rounds with minimal rest. Or you can do a kettlebell snatch, a TRX lunge, a resistance band curl, and a medicine ball twist as an interval training for 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off for 8 rounds.

3 Benefits of using functional training equipment with other workouts

Using functional training equipment with other workouts can have many advantages for your fitness and health. It can improve your functional fitness, which means you can perform better in daily activities, sports, or specific tasks. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of injuries by strengthening your muscles, joints, and connective tissues in various planes of motion. Moreover, it can increase your metabolic rate and calorie expenditure by engaging multiple muscle groups and intensifying your workouts. It also allows for more mental and physical challenge by adding variety, fun, and creativity to your workouts. Finally, you can adapt your workouts to your goals, needs, and preferences by choosing the type, amount, and difficulty of functional training equipment.

4 Tips for using functional training equipment with other workouts

If you want to get the most out of using functional training equipment with other workouts, it's important to start with the basics and master the proper form and technique of each exercise before progressing. Additionally, choose the right equipment for your goal, level, and space. For example, if you want to work on power and speed, use a medicine ball or kettlebell. If you want to work on balance and core, use a BOSU or TRX. If you have limited space or budget, use a resistance band or your own bodyweight. Furthermore, mix and match different equipment and exercises to create your own workouts or follow a program that incorporates functional training equipment with other workouts. Lastly, listen to your body and adjust the frequency, intensity, duration, and rest of your workouts according to your recovery and performance.

5 Examples of using functional training equipment with other workouts

Functional training equipment can be used to enhance other workouts, such as HIIT, yoga, and Pilates. For example, kettlebells can be used for swings, snatches, or cleans during a HIIT workout; a BOSU can be used for balancing poses during a yoga workout; and a TRX can be used for core exercises during a Pilates workout. Resistance bands are versatile and can be used for squats, stretching poses, arm exercises, and more. Medicine balls are also great for slams, leg exercises, and core poses. With the right equipment and knowledge of how to use it, you can make your workouts more efficient and effective.

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?