Functional Training and Strong(er)

I’ve completed my first week in the Strong(er) program. I am incredibly sore. The program is designed to go back and pick up all those areas that have been neglected for so long. Most of us get into a routine and settle down with it for a long period of time. I had been training very hard with heavy weights 6 days a week prior to beginning the Strong(er) program. And I was debating on whether to skip the first phase which focuses on rehab work. I’m glad that I didn’t skip it. As I said, I’ve hit areas and muscles that haven’t been touched in ages. The hardest, most dreaded part for me is that each weight training session starts with calisthenics and stretching. It’s full of lunges, reverse lunges, side lunges, free squats – and then goes into extensive ab work, like planks! The actual weightlifting is a blessing when you finally get to it.

As much as I love this program, it’s not something I can recommend to most people I know. As it clearly states, the program was designed for someone who has 3-5 years of serious, consistent training under their belt. The intensity, the exercises, etc., are just too much for someone without that background. But if you have that, and are looking for an intense program to follow, I can’t recommend Strong(er) highly enough.

One day a week you are required to do a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session. I’ve been using the heavy bag and an Air-Dyne, but I’m considering a Prowler. The Prowler is mentioned as a HIIT option. Other options that have piqued my interest are the sandbag and this strongman trainer. All of these have the common element of functional training. They hit compound muscle groups and can be used in rapid set intervals with minimum rest in-between.

Prowler

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=305&pid=2294

Sandbag

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=343&pid=2014

Strongman Stone Trainer

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=305&pid=2640