What is Functional Training?

In short, functional training is purposeful training. Exercises prescribed are intentionally implemented to teach people how to handle their body weight in all planes of movement with the goal of progressing to weights. 

Gray Cook, a practicing physical therapist, is the founder of the joint-by-joint approach. Each joint in the human body has a specific role and should be trained with the specificity in mind (See fig. 1).

If you are experiencing pain in a specific joint, the problem usually exists not in that joint, but either the joint above or below it. Here are a few examples:

-If you lost ankle mobility, you’ll experience knee pain

-If you lose hip mobility, you’ll experience lower back pain

-If you lose thoracic mobility, you’ll experience neck, shoulder, or lower back  pain

Reducing the incidence of injury and helping you feel more confident in your movement is my top priority. My methodology in achieving this begins with an initial assessment, where we’ll uncover any potential faulty movement patterns or strength deficits revolving around a specific joint region. Using the information gathered during this assessment, a program specifically tailored to your goals and needs will be drawn up and implemented during 1-on-1 sessions.