subject: Function defined by Cardiff Sports Therapist [print this page] Although various health care professions define function differently within their disciplines, to the fitness trainer function can be thought of as goal directed movement (Cech and Martin 2002), or more simply stated, "doing what you do." For example, walking can be considered functional as it is the method of moving from one place to another. Other examples include kicking a ball, a back hand in tennis or lifting a weight from the floor (figure 1.1a,b). Therefore, it is wise to use training techniques and tools that reflect a person's desired functional movement goal. Trainers can then develop through movement optimal levels of power, strength, cardiovascular fitness, muscle endurance or flexibility in their clients. The concept of Functional Training therefore, becomes redundant as it is too vague a description, a more precise description would be "Training for Function."
