BODY|Workout
Full-body fitness with functional training
WORDS BY CONNIE FORTICH
PHOTOS BY RICHIE GUINTO
FUNCTIONAL TRAINING IS SLOWLY BECOMING A BUZZWORD IN THE FITNESS SCENE and we’re guessing it shall continue to be so in the next few years. No heavy-duty machine or high-maintenance equipment is needed; functional training involves using only movements that mimic your everyday activities so you can perform them without getting injured.
One of the most versatile innovations used for functional training is the suspension training system. It forces you to use your whole bodyweight as resistance for each exercise.
Suspension training may seem odd at first but once you get on those straps, you will see why a lot of fitness enthusiasts and beginning exercisers alike have gotten so hooked. One such system is the Rip:60 suspension trainer, which features revolutionary rotating straps, 12 workout DVDs, and a nutrition guide.
Below are five exercises that you can do. There are three levels for each exercise. You can start with option 1 (beginner level) if you feel you are not strong enough yet for options 2 (intermediate) and 3 (advanced). Start with the most repetitions you can do with proper form. As you get stronger, you will notice that your usual number of repetitions will be too easy for you. You can either add more weight or move up to option 2. Just be sure that before you move up to the higher level, you have already mastered engaging your core muscles during execution of the exercises and that you have the ability to adjust your form whenever you feel the need to, i.e. when you feel strain in your lower back, or when you feel stress on your knees.
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