How can you track the effectiveness of your functional training program over time?

Some of my favourite functional measure that I use in the general population and athletic population is: 1) Single leg calf raise to fatigue 2) 10 rep Squat Max 3) Single leg hop test 4) Box jump height

Your functional's training ultimate goal is to make you better at the four basic human movements: standing, walking, throwing, and running. If you are getting more efficient in those movements then you know that you are on the right track.

Tracking and measuring are the only ways to ensure something is working. It's crucial to set clear goals and measure them. For instance, I advise all my clients to monitor their weight, body fat, workouts, water intake, and sleep. Whenever we assess their exercises, we consistently measure whether they are becoming stronger each week. If there's no improvement, we know we need to identify the root cause. Seeing a client perform a 100kg back squat six months after starting with a 60kg back squat indicates progress. However, the only way to confirm this progress is through tracking and measuring.

I have no clue why this topics appeared in my list and why I considered as an expert in this field but as a human who do the training regulary I only can add that measure for me is an ability to perform the exercise londer time. It can be longer distance for run, longer aerobical training, increased load etc.

One thing that I have found helpful is creating a document and saving it on the drive or cloud. This way you can access it on your phone and fill it in when you are at the gym in real time. This way you can track your weight and reps over time.

A program should always accommodate the client's current situation. While it isn't always feasible to modify online clients' programs in real-time, I educate them on making minor adjustments themselves. However, if they get injured or fall ill, a full modification will be implemented.

The only way to truly gauge the effectiveness of your training program is to ensure you have metrics in place. Numbers in the form of objective data will not lie; however, we can also track subjective data. For example, has your client's sleeping hygiene improved and, if so, how are their moods, motivation to continue with your program, propensity for exercise, and self-esteem? Has your client's workout consistency improved? Further, we cannot control outcomes, but we can control behaviours. Are your clients practicing key habits consistently? Mark on your calendar the key habits that your client performed each day. An effective program will embed impactful lifestyle habits the client must practice to achieve desired results.

From experience, I’d also have a dream or goal, a rational for the functional goals. Eg: I am doing this running training to not only be fitter/stronger/functional but to run a 10k fun/charity event in September. Personally, I stay fit not only for fitness sake, it’s so I can surf and skate to my very best:)