So, what exactly does functional strength training involve, and what health benefits can it offer? What is Functional Strength Training? Functional strength training (FST) is a workout regimen aimed at improving the strength and coordination of muscles used in everyday activities and specific sports. Dr. Michael Fredericson, director of the physical medicine and rehabilitation division at Stanford University, explains that FST uses movement patterns to improve balance, flexibility, and neuromotor control. These patterns often incorporate rotation, stretching, locomotion, and level changes. FST can vary greatly depending on the individual’s goals and abilities, as Brad Schoenfeld, professor of exercise science at Lehman College of the City University of New York, points out. Strength training is an essential part of FST but is approached differently than traditional methods. Rather than isolating specific muscle groups, FST focuses on multi-joint movements (also called compound ex...