3 BEST PIECES OF FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT AT FITNESS FIRST

Getting the most from your workout is something we all want, but did you know your workouts can also help you get the most out of your everyday? Functional Equipment and Dynamic Movement Training are what you need to know about. Firstly, what is functional gym equipment exactly? Functional training (AKA Dynamic Movement Training) and functional training equipment are items that mimic movements you would do in your everyday life. They allow for free movement that will help your body perform basic tasks. These include pushing, pulling, lifting, squatting, reaching, twisting… the list is endless! Functional movements actually make up the core of all exercise and daily life.  Fitness First has plenty of freestyle group fitness classes and equipment to support you in mastering these critical exercises. Here are our top three favourite pieces of functional equipment to get you started on your next training session:


1. POWER SLEDS

Push, pull, run, walk - the choice is yours with a sled. Using a sled on the athletic track will have you huffing and puffing no matter how much, or how little, you load it up. Why? Heavily loaded sleds work your lower body strength more, while a lighter sled allows you to build speed and sprint quickly. Either way, it’s a great workout that will directly translate to pushing and pulling movements you do everyday. 


2. BATTLE ROPES

A few pumps of the battle ropes and your heart rate will soar! They’re a good piece of gear if you want to burn calories and build muscle, as they pack a punch in the cardio and strength category thanks to the swift lowering and raising of a load. The dynamic movement creates  tension and force that surprises your muscles in a way that regular weight training doesn’t. 


3. PLYO BOXES

You’ll see Plyo Boxes of different heights in our clubs to do box jumps on. This explosive movement is often mind of matter, and once you’ve gotten over the fear, your fitness and power in the lower half will be significantly increased as you realise jumping onto something is more simple than it seems. Unlike other lower body moves that isolate the muscles, a box jump strengthens all the biggest muscles: hamstrings, quads, calves and glutes.