Da Rulk delivers 3 big benefits with functional training

The first time most people see a functional training workout, they’re a little confused or even intimidated. And we get it. How could crawling around on your hands or mimicking the movements of a gorilla be good for you? And isn’t this the training style that puts even Chris Hemsworth to the test?

The reality is that functional training delivers a list of benefits to rival any workout style. And, with the right trainer, nailing the moves isn’t as hard as you might think. Just remember – everyone has to crawl before they can walk.

If you’re new to functional training, then our very own expert (and lead trainer in our first ever Centr Masterclass – launching October 19) Da Rulk is here to break it down for you: “Functional training is all about your ability to be strong and conditioned in your everyday life. Mobility is key, strength is key, conditioning is key, but it's the ability to be more functional and efficient in the way you move and in the way you recover.”

Intrigued? Then let’s dig a little deeper and take a look at the key benefits of functional training, and find out what graduates of our functional training program Centr Masterclass: Da Rulk stand to gain.

1. Improve your joint mobility

Do you make that "urgghhh" sound every time you squat down or pull yourself up off the sofa? That’s your joints crying out for more support! The great thing about strong and mobile joints is that they lay the foundation for big improvements in other areas of fitness – squats, presses and lunges are all heavily reliant on sturdy joints, making functional training the perfect platform for any kind of strength workout.

More resilient joints will also decrease your susceptibility to injury, so if you play a team sport or love tennis, track and field or any high-impact activity, functional training should play a part in your fitness routine.

2. Get into mental shape

Functional moves can be tricky for beginners. Not so much because of the physical exertion that comes with learning them (don’t worry, there’s plenty of time for that later), but because the movements themselves are complex. You will get frustrated, you will curse at Da Rulk and you will probably want to quit and try something easier – but every time you don’t, you’re getting mentally stronger, and that’s important.

Take it from Rulk: “There are people that can look great and look strong, but right now it's more important to actually be a strong person mentally. And that all starts with taking that first step – not being so worried about how you're viewed or how people look at you, but more importantly, how you feel about yourself. Functional training definitely helps with that.”

3. Increase your cardiovascular health & fitness

Sure, nailing the technique for functional exercises is hard. But the real challenge comes when you start stringing moves together in sequence. Rulk will help you to accomplish this during Centr Masterclass: Da Rulk – which won’t just boost your coordination, but spike your heart rate and pump up your cardiovascular fitness. That spells good news for your blood pressure, heart health and endurance, and will give you greater energy levels as you move about your day-to-day life. As your heart pumps, lungs breathe deep and brow sweats, you’ll also be nabbing big weight loss benefits, taking stress off your joints to aid mobility, and turning you into a lean, mean functional machine.

Feel like functional training could improve your life? There’s no better way to start than Centr Masterclass: Da Rulk, launching on October 19.