How do you increase your client's functional training intensity and complexity?

2 Change the speed

Another way to increase the intensity of functional training is to change the speed or tempo of the exercise. You can make the exercise faster or slower, depending on the purpose and the skill of your client. For example, you can make the exercise faster to improve power, explosiveness, and cardiovascular fitness, or you can make the exercise slower to enhance stability, control, and muscular endurance. You can also mix up the speed within the same exercise, such as doing a slow eccentric phase and a fast concentric phase.

3 Modify the range of motion

A third way to increase the intensity of functional training is to modify the range of motion or ROM of the exercise. You can increase or decrease the ROM, depending on the goal and the ability of your client. For example, you can increase the ROM to improve flexibility, mobility, and joint health, or you can decrease the ROM to focus on a specific part of the movement or to avoid pain or injury. You can also vary the ROM throughout the session or the week, depending on the progress and the feedback of your client.

6 Monitor and progress

The final way to increase the intensity of functional training is to monitor and progress your client's performance and adaptation. You can use different methods, such as feedback, observation, testing, or tracking, to evaluate your client's response and improvement. The key is to use objective and subjective measures that are relevant and meaningful for your client's goals and needs. You can also use the principle of progressive overload to adjust the intensity and complexity of the exercise according to your client's readiness and capacity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?