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Functional Workout

This video illustrates a great set of movements to build athletic performance. It's all there: balance, explosive power, strength, and lots of functional movement. Great stuff.

The other thing I note here: note all the open space, and the total lack of machines. Big box gyms love machines because they're supposedly safer and give newbies a ready-made format for getting in shape. But past the first few weeks of basic remedial strength building, machines are a crutch.

If you want to be strong, fast, and injury-free, avoid the machines and go with free weights and functional movements. If you don't know where to start, talk to trainers until you find one who can show you.

Readers' Comments

Thanks for posting this. I like the reminder that simply moving around and occasionally carrying extra weight can help you get in shape and become stronger. No need for the expensive machines if you have some training and creativity.
Eller | 11/29/08 8:31PM
Make no mistake: that workout's a killer. Years ago, I worked with a trainer who had me doing workouts like the one in the video, and at the time it was pretty "out there" stuff. It's really cool to see fitness movements like crossfit catching up.

That said, I'm still a HUGE fan of weight training. There's nothing that builds raw strength for me as fast. Plyometrics are fantastic, but there's nothing like a set of heavy squats every week for two months to make me feel like a god. (And help me set personal records on my bike.)

Good stuff, thanks for the link. Been wanting to get back into a more regular workout routine.
Erik: check out crossfit.com. Excellent stuff. If I didn't have Krav Maga, I'd be a hardcore crossfitter.

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