The Death of ‘Functional’ Fitness
The trend of ‘functional’ fitness aims to train exercisers with movements that are supposedly more likely to carry over to practical everyday uses. However, in doing so, many ‘functional’ recommendations contradict long-standing, well-researched and evidence-based practices in fitness, to the detriment of their followers. Unfortunately, there is something that functional fitness is uniquely good at - gathering attention on social media via highly viral, unusual movements likely to attract attention because of their novelty.
Simplicity Is King, and Muscle Confusion Is Garbage
In general, you’ll get better results from following a simpler routine more consistently, rather than constantly varying and changing your routine. Fad workout routines based around “muscle confusion” can work, but will generally provide you inferior results to simpler and more consistent routines. Serious lifting athletes rely on ideal the routines and strategies which have been developed over the years, and focus on practicing a small number of movements repeatedly, rather than constantly varying movements.
The Smith Machine Is Sometimes Better Than The Squat Rack
The smith machine is a machine version of the free weight squat rack. This machine gets a lot of hate, but also has some surprising advantages. Like any tool in the toolkit of a good exerciser, the smith machine shouldn’t be ignored.
How To Find The Right Personal Trainer
Often, it’s a challenge to find the right trainer or coach - and not due to any failure on your part, but simply because there are limitations that make it a naturally hard process. In this article, coach Meg breaks down the guidelines you should follow to ensure that you’re making the right decision, and finding the right trainer or coach.
Fitness For Mental Health
Fitness is one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit for managing mental health - when used properly. Here, I examine some of the science behind the use of fitness for managing mental health, as well as some of the under-discussed benefits.