You can train for a chin-up competition, or you can train for living your everyday life. Both build strength but, as The New York Times put it, "What good is having the sexiest biceps in town if you can't scramble up subway steps with ease?"
That's why functional training has gained popularity over the past 10 years or so. It's the philosophy that working out in unstable situations, such as on a stability ball, on one foot, or holding a heavy sack for example, helps you engage more (and deeper) muscles, thus strengthening more of the muscles you need (and are more apt to use) every day, versus specialized muscles, like just your biceps.
The goal is to make your everyday activities easier by training the muscles you use to complete them, according to Fix.com. The website designed a handy infographic to illustrate some functional workout moves below.
If you go to the gym, chances are you're already doing some functional training: Squats are a great move, as are standing bicep curls. But if you haven't worked out in a long time and you're over the age of 40, the Mayo Clinic recommends you speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
See the moves below, or click here to enlarge:
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