Description:
<jats:title>Apply It!SUMMARY STATEMENTPULLED TEXT</jats:title>
<jats:p>Functional training is a broad and confusing concept because of the multitude of definitions and applications. The aim of this article is to:</jats:p>
<jats:p>1) review the multitude of definitions for functional fitness from respected health and fitness professionals.</jats:p>
<jats:p>2) translate the complexities of functional fitness into context for practical application by health and fitness professionals.</jats:p>
<jats:p>3) apply general programming guidelines to the development of a functional neuromotor program.</jats:p>
<jats:p>Functional training can be any type of training that is performed with a purpose to enhance movement and/or performance of movement. The purpose is defined by the defined goal or desired outcome or the program and that outcome is developed through the collaboration of the health and fitness professional and the client, patient, athlete based on their specific abilities, their readiness to change, and the environment the program will take place.</jats:p>
<jats:p>“There are two factors that influence your response when you are asked to define functional training: your perception, which results from experience, knowledge, and education, and you own specialization in the field.”</jats:p>
<jats:p>“Specialization influences the desired outcome of a field that has been divided into three professions: strength and conditioning, personal training, and physical therapy. These three professions have merged into what is now referred to as a performance specialist.”</jats:p>
<jats:p>“Performance specialist offers services to individuals that participate in active occupations such as the military, firefighters, police, emergency medical personnel, etc. Functional training aligns with active occupations that can benefit from training that is specific to the skills that transfer to the efficient movement patterns associated with the specific job.”</jats:p>