Why functional fitness is key and how to create your perfect training schedule.

When people think of URSUS, they often think of Bear Camp, our signature functional fitness class. Bear Camp classes are specifically programmed to deliver efficient, tough and results driven workouts. They are fun, they are scalable and they are the essence of Functional Fitness.

Functional fitness is a training approach that focuses on developing strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility and is now commonplace in the industry. It has adopted a variety of training modalities, which in a class setting, can be programmed into segments or combined. I am referring to bodybuilding principles, powerlifting (squat/bench/dead), weightlifting and metcons for endurance.

Functional Fitness has taken influences from traditional Strength & Conditioning as well as CrossFit. When removing high complex weightlifting and gymnastics movements you are left with a new space where the everyday fitness consumer can build endurance and muscle with reduced risk of injury. Functional Fitness is great at delivering efficient workouts whilst providing density; not everyone has or wants to spend hours a day following rigid programs and training niche skills. In a nutshell, Functional Fitness is a term that helps define the ability to combine a variety of training principles to deliver a mix of what the consumer WANTS vs what they also NEED.

So, now we’ve covered what functional fitness is, how do you create a training schedule that works for you and your goals? Read on for some top tips!

The best training schedule is the one you will actually do. You need to be realistic with the amount you are going to commit to the gym plus, you also need to enjoy yourself! Whilst pushing yourself hard and making yourself do hard things sometimes is good for discipline and character building, you won’t stick to it if you don’t enjoy any of it, so make sure some of your favourite classes are in the mix (mine is Monday AKA leg day).
Building muscle is KING. I would personally pick at least 1-2 Strong & Lean Classes. I can’t write a list of strength training benefits here - as it just goes on and on!
Focus on your healthspan. Quite simply, keeping fit will help you to lead a long and enjoyable life! Our Bear Camp classes are an excellent way to work on your cardio, mobility and functional fitness. They work well with our Strong & Lean classes. I program a mix of longer endurance pieces, sprints, barbell complexes and nasty metcons. We tend to go full send on a Saturday, so if you’re looking for a challenging class, this is the day to choose! I will make sure you stay on top of your game, don’t you worry. I personally pick 1-3 of these classes a week and make it a non-negotiable!
Don’t forget the recovery. If you know me, you’ll know I LOVE training but even I know the importance of rest days! I would advise at least one rest day a week to give your body the rest it deserves.