Are you struggling to decide between traditional weightlifting and functional strength training for your fitness routine?
With the abundance of options and conflicting advice,
it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
But don’t worry, the Apple Watch offers a solution to help you choose and stay on track with your goals.
Apple Watch Functional Strength Training vs Traditional
The Apple Watch offers users the choice between two strength training modes: Functional Strength Training and Traditional Strength Training. Functional Strength Training involves dynamic strength sequences that work out the upper body, lower body, or full body, using small equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and medicine balls, or with no equipment at all. Traditional Strength Training, on the other hand, is more geared towards weightlifting-type workouts, including isolated body parts like chest day, leg day, and back day, and compound movements that work multiple muscle groups, such as squats, pushups, deadlifts, bicep curls, bench press, and shoulder press.
When it comes to equipment, Functional Strength Training primarily involves the use of small equipment, while Traditional Strength Training can be done with equipment or body weight alone. The Apple Watch provides options for both types of workouts, allowing users to choose the one that works best for them.
The algorithm used by the Apple Watch for strength training is designed to help users achieve their fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, improving endurance, or increasing bone density. Users can choose from a variety of exercises, including dumbbell exercises, rows, and dumbbell chest presses, and the algorithm will interpret their movements and provide feedback accordingly.
Apple’s official explanation for the Functional Strength Training mode on the Apple Watch is that it is designed to “help you work out smarter and more efficiently,” by providing time limits and specific exercises for each muscle group. With the help of the Apple Watch and resources like YouTube, users can take advantage of the benefits of both Functional and Traditional Strength Training, and achieve their fitness goals in a way that works best for them.
Should I use functional or traditional strength training on Apple Watch?
Functional Strength Training as a type of strength training that uses small equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and medicine balls, or no equipment at all, to perform dynamic strength sequences for the upper body, lower body, or full body. Based on this information, it can be inferred that functional strength training is a suitable type of training that can be performed on Apple Watch. However, the content does not provide information on whether traditional strength training can be performed on Apple Watch or not. Therefore, it cannot be determined which type of strength training is better on Apple Watch without additional information.
What’s the difference between functional and traditional strength training?
Strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on increasing muscle power and size by using resistance training methods. Traditional strength training uses weights like dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, and even sandbags or medicine balls to target specific muscle groups with exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg presses. In contrast, functional strength training emphasizes everyday movements like squatting, lifting, and carrying, using bodyweight, and functional equipment like sandbags, bands, and kettlebells.
Sarah Ashenden, a fitness enthusiast, prefers functional strength training over traditional strength training. She finds functional exercises like burpees, renegade rows, and working every minute on the minute circuits more accessible and effective for her fitness goals. She believes that functional strength training not only builds muscle but also improves core stability, balance, and endurance while stabilizing joints and reducing the risk of injury.
Lisa Hunter, on the other hand, enjoys traditional strength training and believes that isolation exercises targeting specific muscle groups like curls, presses, and rows are the best way to achieve muscle growth and definition. She also finds that traditional strength training with weights is beneficial for increasing bone density, metabolic rate, and cardiovascular health.
Both functional and traditional strength training have their benefits, and the choice depends on individual preferences and fitness goals. While functional strength training can be effective for those looking to improve overall fitness and everyday movement, traditional strength training can be useful for those looking to bulk up or target specific muscle groups. Additionally, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit training can be incorporated into both types of strength training to provide a challenging workout that works every muscle group and improves mood and mental health.
Does functional strength training burn more than traditional?
Functional strength training has become an increasingly popular form of exercise in recent years, with many fitness enthusiasts favoring it over traditional weightlifting. And now, thanks to the Apple Watch, monitoring and tracking your workouts has never been easier. The WatchOS service offered by Apple provides a range of tracking capabilities, including BPM and calories burned, to help you stay on top of your fitness goals.
For those who prefer strength training over other fitness disciplines, the Apple Watch offers a variety of options to track your progress. With the Workout app, you can easily record your reps and sets, as well as the weight you lifted for each exercise. The app also provides a seamless data collection experience, allowing you to keep proper records of your workouts and track your progress over time. Plus, with the ability to log your sets through Voice Memos, you can record your lifted loads without having to type out sets or statistics.
The traditional metrics tracked by the Apple Watch are important to any fitness regimen, but for those looking to take their training to the next level, it’s all about tracking your progress. Keeping records of your lifted loads and monitoring your one-rep max can help you easily progress as your muscles grow and get stronger. And with the ability to track your performance over time, you can easily plan out your time in the gym and stay motivated to continue your training regimen.
The Apple Watch truly is a digital companion for fitness enthusiasts, providing a range of tracking capabilities and seamless data collection options. Whether you’re tracking your BPM and calories burned, or keeping detailed records of your reps and sets, the Apple Watch and its Workout app have got you covered. So, if you’re looking to take your strength training to the next level, be sure to check out the range of tracking capabilities offered by the Apple Watch and its accompanying software.
Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.
Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.
