How can you improve your functional training skills as a self-employed consultant?

2 Choose the right exercises

Functional training exercises are usually based on movements that mimic real-life scenarios, such as squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, or twisting. They can also involve different types of equipment, such as dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, or stability balls. The key is to choose exercises that target multiple muscle groups, challenge your coordination, and enhance your range of motion. For example, you can try a kettlebell swing, which works your glutes, hamstrings, back, and core, or a lunge with a twist, which activates your quads, hips, and obliques. You can also modify the exercises according to your skill level, by adding or reducing weight, speed, or complexity.

3 Vary your routine

One of the benefits of functional training is that it offers a lot of variety and flexibility. You can change your routine frequently to avoid boredom, plateau, or overuse injuries. You can also adapt your functional training to different environments, such as your home, office, or hotel room. For example, you can use a chair, a towel, or a water bottle as improvised equipment, or you can perform bodyweight exercises, such as planks, squats, or push-ups. You can also vary the intensity, duration, and frequency of your functional training sessions, depending on your schedule, energy level, and recovery time.

5 Seek feedback and support

Finally, you can improve your functional training skills by seeking feedback and support from others. You can ask for advice, tips, or feedback from experts, such as personal trainers, physiotherapists, or coaches, who can help you improve your technique, correct your mistakes, or prevent injuries. You can also join a community, such as a group class, an online forum, or a social media group, where you can share your experiences, challenges, and successes with other functional training enthusiasts. By seeking feedback and support, you can learn from others, stay motivated, and have fun.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?