Last updated on Aug 14, 2024

You're struggling to grasp complex skills in Functional Training. How can you maintain your motivation?

Functional training can be quite the challenge, especially when you're trying to master complex skills. It's a form of exercise that prepares your body for various types of activities you might encounter in everyday life or sports. The movements are designed to be compound, engaging multiple muscle groups, which can sometimes be hard to get right. If you're finding it difficult to keep up with the intricacies of functional movements, don't lose heart. Maintaining motivation is key, and there are strategies to help you stay on track even when the going gets tough.

1 Set Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is a cornerstone of staying motivated in any endeavor, including functional training. Begin by identifying what you want to accomplish, whether it's improving your balance, increasing muscle strength, or mastering a specific exercise like the kettlebell swing. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable milestones and celebrate each achievement. This way, you'll have a roadmap to success and a way to track your progress, keeping the fire of motivation burning brightly.

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Daryl Yeap

I help professionals overcome recurring injuries and move pain-free through science-backed rehab and functional mobility coaching.
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I will start by dividing complex skills into smaller, achievable steps so it is easily digestible. Avoid rushing through the learning material and take time to understand and implement a concept before proceeding onto the next area. Focus on specific areas and adaptations you want to achieve for improvement. Space them out for about 12weeks for each adaptation you want to achieve to avoid confusion within the training program. Make sure you cater enough time for rest and recovery, sometimes we get caught up trying to learn a new skill that we forget about our wellbeing which will hinder us from peak performance.

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2 Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you stay motivated through tough training sessions. Imagine yourself executing the perfect deadlift or seamlessly transitioning through a complex circuit. By mentally rehearsing your movements, you're not only preparing your mind but also priming your body for action. This technique can enhance your focus and reinforce the belief in your ability to succeed, which is crucial when learning new functional training skills.

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3 Find Support

Embarking on a functional training journey alone can be daunting. Having a support network can make a significant difference in maintaining motivation. Look for a workout buddy, join a fitness community, or hire a personal trainer who understands functional training. These supporters will encourage you, hold you accountable, and share valuable insights that can help you overcome any skill-related hurdles you might face.

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Ángeles Arjona I CoEducadaMente

Formadora y Mentora. Acompaño a profesionales del sector educativo y alumnado a gestionar entornos de presión y estrés para conseguir claridad mental, tranquilidad y seguridad fomentando, así, la satisfacción personal.
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Moreover, listening to functional training podcasts and professional of the sector may approach you to different perspectives which may help you engage with your activity. Furthermore, reading articles related to that topic and follow LindkedIn profiles relevant to the sector of functional training may offer you a wide variety of resources to maintain motivation and encourage you to go beyond. A good idea that works really well with my clients and students is to write a few notes about why functional training is imporant for you. When motivation is not as high as we would like to, I encourage them to read those notes and focus on the purpose of their goals. What helps you keep going?

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4 Celebrate Progress

Recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, is essential for staying motivated. Functional training is not just about the end goal; it's about the journey and the small victories along the way. Maybe you've increased the weight you can lift or noticed improved stability—these are all progress markers worth celebrating. Acknowledging these improvements reminds you that your effort is paying off and propels you to keep pushing forward.

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5 Embrace Challenges

Functional training is inherently challenging, but those challenges are what lead to growth and improvement. Instead of feeling discouraged by difficult skills, embrace them as opportunities to learn and become stronger. Each time you conquer a challenging movement or workout, you build not only physical strength but also mental resilience. Remember that every master was once a beginner, and every challenge you face is a step towards mastery.

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6 Adjust Expectations

Lastly, it's important to adjust your expectations to maintain motivation. If you set unrealistically high standards for yourself, you're setting up for disappointment. Understand that mastery of functional training skills takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself when progress seems slow and remember that consistency is more important than perfection. Adjusting your expectations doesn't mean lowering your standards; it means setting a pace that is sustainable and rewarding in the long run.

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You're struggling to grasp complex skills in Functional Training. How can you maintain your motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set Goals

2 Visualize Success

3 Find Support

4 Celebrate Progress

5 Embrace Challenges

6 Adjust Expectations

Functional Training

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You're struggling to grasp complex skills in Functional Training. How can you maintain your motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set Goals

2 Visualize Success

3 Find Support

4 Celebrate Progress

5 Embrace Challenges

6 Adjust Expectations

Functional Training

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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