Before we turn our attention to the trend products, it is worth taking a closer look at the concept of functional training. Essentially, it involves training exercises and movement sequences that are directly related to everyday or sport-specific movement patterns. Instead of exclusively training individual muscle groups, the focus is on complex, cross-muscle movements. This combines strength, endurance, speed, coordination and flexibility.
Prof. Dr. Stephan Geisler, Head of the Institute for Fitness and Health at the IST University of Applied Sciences, explains: "Functional training forms the basis for improved performance in everyday life, at work and in sport. In particular, it strengthens the deep-lying supporting and postural muscles and optimizes the interaction between muscles, tendons and joints."
In contrast to traditional, equipment-based strength training, which often trains isolated muscle groups, functional training focuses on exercises that work as many muscle groups and joints as possible. Free weights, resistance bands or your own body weight are often used. Popular exercises include squats, deadlifts, press-ups, pull-ups and medicine ball throws. Great emphasis is also placed on activating the core muscles, which are essential for a stable and healthy posture. Balance pads and sling trainers such as the TRX are therefore among the most popular tools in functional training.
The functional training approach has proven itself not only for competitive athletes and fitness junkies, but also for health athletes and older people. Regular training makes everyday movements such as climbing stairs, lifting and carrying easier, prevents postural damage and reduces the risk of falling.
Functional training offers numerous advantages that make it a popular and effective training method:
- Suitability for everyday use
- Time efficiency
- Variety and motivation
- Improvement of posture and body awareness
- Increase in performance
- Versatility and customizability
- Low space requirement and flexibility
But which trend products are used for functional training?
Kettlebells have established themselves as real all-rounders in functional training. A study by the University of Wuppertal shows that kettlebell training can burn up to 12.5 calories per 2.5 minutes. The kettlebell with handle enables a wealth of dynamic full-body exercises such as swings, squats, lunges and Turkish get-ups. "Kettlebell training increases strength, as you would expect, but you also get these other benefits," emphasizes John P. Porcari, professor of exercise science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Retailers should therefore definitely integrate a wide range of high-quality kettlebells of different weight classes and designs into their product range.
Suspension trainers such as the TRX have been standard equipment in functional training studios and fitness centers for years. However, the height-adjustable belt systems are also becoming increasingly popular for TRX training at home. Thanks to the unstable suspension and the use of your own body weight, exercises such as rowing, push-ups or squats intensively work stabilizing muscle groups and the core muscles in addition to the main muscles. An article by Dr. Mark McKean, editor-in-chief of the Australian Institute of Fitness, shows that TRX training has a positive effect on muscle fitness in both younger and middle-aged adults and significantly increases core strength after just seven weeks of training. Leading providers such as TRX or ACUVON® offer robust, safely manufactured models that can be easily attached anywhere and with which over 300 different exercises are possible.
Balance trainers have become indispensable in functional training when it comes to training balance, stability and proprioception. Whether a classic balance board, round balance hedgehog or air-filled cushion - the unstable base activates the deep muscles and the smaller muscles surrounding the joints during almost every exercise, whether squats, press-ups or standing balance. This not only improves body balance and prevents injuries, but also optimizes posture in everyday life. Balance pads or cushions such as the Airex® mat are also ideal as a base for workouts on hard floors. High-quality balance trainers from renowned manufacturers such as TicToys, Togu® or Blackroll® impress with their innovative designs and wide range of applications.
Boxing and other martial arts are increasingly finding their way into functional training. Exercises on punching bags, punching balls or claws train not only endurance and strength but also speed, agility, body tension and responsiveness - all qualities that should not be missing in a functional fitness program. Training sandbags such as the Aqua Bruiser Bag offer an exciting alternative to classic punching bags. Thanks to the unstable filling material water, the impact behavior is more realistic and challenging. The robust workmanship guarantees long-lasting punching power. Retailers score points with a selection of models of different weights that can be used in a variety of ways and ensure sweat-inducing killer workouts in functional training gyms.
The good old dumbbell will remain timelessly relevant in functional training in 2024. However, it is no longer the classic dumbbells that are popular, but versatile, ergonomically shaped models. Thanks to its special design, the VIBOR Neo from Escape Fitness, for example, can be used as a dumbbell for exercises such as bench presses, deadlifts or squats as well as a barbell for bicep curls or shoulder presses. The hexagonal shape ensures a secure booth and facilitates lowering exercises such as thrusters or renegade rows without compromising grip or handling. The high-quality handle with special rubber coating is comfortable and non-slip in the hand.
The Bulgarian bag is a training device that is causing a stir in functional training. The crescent-shaped bag filled with sand or other filling materials has its origins in the wrestling scene and has enjoyed growing popularity in the functional fitness community for several years. The uneven weight distribution and dynamic swing exercises such as spins, swings and rotations train strength, endurance, stability and coordination in a unique way. An investment that is also worthwhile for specialist retailers.
Mini resistance bands, also known as fit loops or resistance bands, have become an integral part of functional training. The compact, elastic rubber bands can be varied in length and resistance and therefore enable a variety of highly effective exercises for the whole body. The small power packs have proven particularly effective for leg and gluteal muscles. According to a meta-analysis, glute bridges or clamshells with an additional band activate the gluteal muscles significantly more. Mini resistance bands are also ideal for training on the go or at home. Sets with several bands and resistance levels are particularly popular with specialist retailers.
The medicine ball is considered a veteran in the sports industry and is also indispensable in functional training. The heavy ball with its textured surface is used for dynamic, explosive exercises such as slams, throws, kicks and twists. It can be used to effectively improve not only full-body strength, but also speed, coordination and core stability. A study by the University of Ljubljana has developed a training concept with medicine balls that leads to neuromuscular adaptations, "resulting in a significant increase in performance: more strength, improved coordination, greater flexibility, more endurance and more economical movement sequences. The heart rate is increased far more than with isolated strength training on machines. The calorie consumption is therefore significantly higher. "4 It is therefore worth including high-quality medicine balls in various sizes and weight classes in your range. Special racks for the orderly presentation and storage of heavy balls are also practical.
Vipr tubes are innovative functional training tools. The 1 to 2 meter long hard plastic tubes are available in different diameters and weights. They are mainly used for powerful exercises such as slams or thrusts. The handy training equipment is also ideal for lifting, swinging and rotating. In addition to strength, they also train endurance, speed and flexibility. Thanks to the different grip zones, the position and center of gravity can be constantly varied, which further increases the coordination requirements. An absolute must-have for functional fitness clubs that want to offer their members a varied and challenging workout.
Despite the focus on holistic and multifunctional exercises, cardiovascular strength should not be neglected in functional training. However, instead of monotonous endurance runs, the focus here is on specific running exercises and high-intensity intervals. Corefirst treadmills such as the Woodway 4Front were among the sports innovations at FIBO and promise a new kind of running experience. In addition to the extra-wide treadmill, the premium treadmill scores with a specially developed running surface that combines high lateral stability with optimum power transmission. Integrated sensors analyze running style, stride length and foot position and provide individual correction tips. Retailers who want to score points with health and sports-conscious customers need an innovative cardio machine like this in their portfolio.
The functional training tools presented here address the diverse requirements of modern, everyday sports training. With a well thought-out selection of tried-and-tested classics and innovative new products, you can meet the core requirements of holistic functional training as well as current sports trends. Focus on quality, versatility and a coherent overall concept. Support your customers with expert tips and further information on healthy, functional training. In this way, you can position yourself as a competent partner and benefit from the ongoing functional fitness boom. Fancy more information about functional training? Then check out the training guide from Sportcheck.
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