joann's health&fitness blog

Functional exercise is the latest buzzword. Everything has to be functional, and if you judge by most of the personal trainers I see, that means everything has to be done on an exercise ball (one of those big, sturdy inflatable balls you can sit on). The idea is that exercising on one of these things improves your balance and strengthens your core (ab, lower back, and hip area). This makes everything more functional, that is more applicable to everyday activities. Now it seems to me that, for instance, the overhead or military press with barbell or dumbbells is functional, because it is close to the motion you use when placing objects on high shelves or your suitcase on the overhead rack of a plane, train, or other conveyance. Get stronger in that movement and you can get that box up there with more ease and less risk to your back. I fail to see how this becomes more functional when you sit on a ball and raise the dumbbells overhead. Now I like the exercise ball. I use it for ab work, some mobility exercises, and even as a chair for people who tend to slump. But most of our everyday activities are done standing on the ground. If you want functional exercises, stand on the ground and lift weights. (how to do it? it's in my book.)
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