Training methodology

According to Michael Boyle, one of the pioneers of the functional training movement, functional training is purpose-oriented. The purpose stems, among other things, from answering the question: Why should a specific training intervention be carried out?

The training philosophy should always be clear, and each training intervention should be justifiable. This isn't easy in an industry that constantly seems to bring new insights, where new "trends," the "best" training programs, and "fancy" exercises—particularly those that look cool on Instagram and elsewhere—are continuously promoted. As trainers or athletes, it’s essential that we resist the temptation to adopt certain exercises, techniques, or theories uncritically just because they’re trendy.

The functional approach transcends specific sports—it focuses on harmonizing different disciplines and sports, often combining fundamental movement patterns such as jumping, running, and lateral movements. Explosive strength and core strength, for instance, are vital for all sports. Injury prevention—both in sports and daily life—is the primary goal of functional training programs. Therefore, mastering technique and executing fundamental movement patterns perfectly is essential. We always start with bodyweight exercises and tools like gymnastics bars before progressing to heavier weights.

In functional training, complex movement patterns that engage multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously are used. In traditional weight training with machines, stabilization is mostly handled by the equipment, as the weight follows a fixed path. In sports and everyday movements, however, we need to stabilize the movement ourselves.

This doesn’t mean machines have no place! But as long as there are no orthopedic or other reasons against it, machine-free training is more effective for improving the body’s self-awareness of muscles, tendons, and joints (proprioception) and for building stabilizing muscles.

Functional training programs like CrossFit intentionally place athletes in unstable positions. The athlete must respond and restore stability with targeted movements. This is, of course, transferable to daily life: If you stumble while running, your body must react to prevent a potential fall. Our primary goal is to keep your musculoskeletal system healthy into old age—so that you can continue to perform everyday movements, like climbing stairs, effortlessly. We’re preparing you to handle any physical task life may present.

Our motto is: Let’s train movements, not muscles (those will come naturally).

Want to learn more? Reach outto us.