Functional training is the training concept of the future. Already an integral part of athlete training in the USA, this method – which has its roots in physiotherapy – is also becoming increasingly popular here. Indeed, the German national football team used functional training to prepare for the World Cup as early as 2006. It involves training entire muscle groups through free movements and simple equipment such as exercise mats or medicine balls – rather than just individual muscles, as is the case with weight machines in the gym. Each exercise simultaneously improves the stability and mobility of the core – our centre of strength, from which all movements originate – as well as the athlete’s coordination, reaction time and balance. Typical movement patterns for the respective sports are perfected and weaknesses specifically addressed, thereby also helping to prevent injuries. This comprehensive standard reference work, aimed at athletes, coaches and therapists, combines a well-founded theoretical section with numerous illustrated exercises that can be adapted to all sports. About the author: Michael Boyle is one of the world’s leading experts in performance optimisation in sport and functional training. He works with professional athletes across a wide range of sports, providing training and rehabilitation support, and is a sought-after consultant and speaker. His two books, *Functional Training* and *Advances in Functional Training*, are regarded as standard works in the field.Read an extract

Functional Training (Expanded New Edition) - The programme for success used by top athletes  In this new edition of his seminal work, Functional Training, Michael Boyle – one of the world’s leading experts in performance optimisation in sport – presents the concepts, methods, exercises and programmes that enable athletes to learn how to move perfectly during sporting competition. A series of tests serves as the basis for designing a bespoke training plan tailored to individual weaknesses. A wide variety of exercises, featuring progressive variations for the upper body, core, legs and the whole body, help to develop the improved balance, proprioception, stability and strength required to be among the best in one’s chosen sport. Sample programmes assist with the creation of personalised training plans and provide a template for a solid training regime that covers every key aspect of preparation. In doing so, Boyle draws on his many years of experience as well as the latest research, and also incorporates new recommendations on foam rolling, stretching and dynamic warm-ups. This new edition of the bestseller also offers 71 videos available online featuring the most important exercises, commentary and analysis. About the author Michael Boyle is one of the world’s leading experts in strength and athletic training, performance optimisation in sport, and functional training. He works with professional athletes and teams across a wide range of sports, providing training and rehabilitation support, and is an internationally sought-after consultant and speaker. His own training centre, Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Boston, which offers performance-oriented training for athletes of all fitness levels, was ranked by Men’s Health as one of the top 10 gyms in the USA. His two books, *Functional Training* and *Advances in Functional Training*, are regarded as standard works in the field.  Please note: This book is supplied as a paperback! Read an extract