What is functional strength exercise?
Functional strength exercise (resistance-based exercise) is a type of exercise that focuses on improving the strength of muscles and joints used in everyday activities.
It is different from traditional strength training, which typically focuses on isolating and strengthening individual muscles. FSE is often used to help people with pain, injuries, or disabilities. It can also help people improve their balance, coordination, and overall fitness.
Who should do functional strength exercise?
It is usual for people of all ages to engage in functional strength exercises because they mirror everyday activities.
We all lose muscle mass and strength and our bones weaken as we age. It is particularly important for people over the age of 50 to engage in this exercise to counter the effects of ageing.
How often are the sessions?
We recommend one BioStrong session per week, to activate your body’s natural responses for muscle and bone growth.
How long does it take?
A BioStrong session lasts approximately 20-25 minutes.
What will I do in a BioStrong session?
During a weekly visit to BioStrong, you will complete specialised exercises on the Power Plate and bioDensity machines.
There will be a Personal Trainer to guide you through the exercises.
All sessions are conducted on a private 1-1 basis.
On the bioDensity machine, four different movements are completed, each held for five seconds.
These are specific “trigger events” to deliver the precise stimulus needed to improve bone mineral density. The force that you produce will be like pushing an object of significant weight and size in four different directions:
Forward using your hands
Forward using your feet
Upward using your knees
Upward using your legs, core and arms
Do I need to wear any special gym clothing?
No, comfortable loose-fitting clothing will be fine (preferably not skirts).
What will I feel like after a BioStrong session?
You will feel like your muscles are awake, you will feel warm because of the increased circulation or blood flow. You might also notice improved posture. Your muscles may feel some temporary fatigue but you will not experience soreness or pain.
Why does it work?
Our bodies are never too old to stop adapting to the demands, or lack of, that we place on it.
We can get stronger if we exercise for it and we will get weaker if we do not.
For example, when muscles experience a new and heavier workload, they are prompted to become larger, more dense and stronger. This is known as Wolff’s Law. In relation to bone growth / strengthening the process to achieve this is called ‘osteogenic loading.’
The scientific technology associated with osteogenic loading has been available in academic research for many years. Only recently has this science and technology become available for public access.
BioStrong is one of only a handful of facilities in the UK with the advanced dual technologies of bioDensity and Power Plate to effectively stimulate bone density and muscle growth.
Improves balance & coordination
Increases bone density
Reduces pain
Improves flexibility
Boosts metabolism
Improves cognitive function
Speeds up recovery from injury
Improves sports performance
More information & research links can be found at:
