Functional vs. Non-Functional Exercises: The TRUTH About Training for Athleticism | #127

“Functional training” has become one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in fitness. Some people associate it with kettlebells, unstable surfaces, unilateral exercises, carries, sandbags and multiplanar movement. Others hear the term and immediately dismiss the entire concept. In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd argues that both sides are missing the point. Functional training is not a specific style of exercise. By definition, training is functional when it improves the function or performance that matters to the individual doing it. That means the same exercise can be functional for one athlete, non-functional for another and potentially dysfunctional for someone else. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 What Functional Training Actually Means 00:00:15 The Problem With “Functional” vs. “Non-Functional” Training 00:00:43 Defining Functional, Non-Functional & Dysfunctional Exercise 00:02:30 Why Strength Training Is Usually Functional 00:05:10 Can Bodybuilding Make You Less Athletic? 00:08:00 Why Compound Lifts Improve Athletic Performance 00:10:45 The Real Reason Bodybuilders Can Look Unathletic 00:14:05 Why Machines & Bodybuilding Can Still Be Functional 00:17:20 Why Strong Athletes Need Different Training 00:19:55 The Case for Isolation Exercises 00:23:45 Why Leg Extensions & Biceps Curls Aren’t “Useless” 00:27:05 Compound vs. Isolation Training Explained 00:29:15 Why Machines Can Be MORE Functional Than Free Weights 00:32:55 When an Exercise Becomes Non-Functional 00:35:20 Strength Training for Boxers & Athletes 00:38:25 Why the Same Exercise Works Differently for Every Sport 00:40:15 The Case for “Functional” Training 00:42:30 Special Strength & Bridging the Gap to Athletic Performance 00:45:20 The Problem With Functional Training Dogma 00:47:45 The Problem With Barbell-Only Training 00:49:55 How to Choose Exercises Based on YOUR Needs 00:52:20 How Judd Structures His Own Training 00:55:00 Finding the Right Balance of Strength, Power & Isolation Work 00:56:40 Stop Asking Whether an Exercise Is “Functional” Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlienhard/ 📺 YouTube:  @JuddLienhard   📖 Substack: https://substack.com/@juddlienhard 🌐 Website: https://www.juddlienhard.com/ **This episode is brought to you by David Protein** David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd **This episode is brought to you by LMNT** Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥