Your client doubts the benefits of functional training. How can you convince them of its long-term value?

One way to help clients understand its benefits is by explaining the why the exercises in the program have been chosen. What do these exercises mimic and improve in real life? How will these movements help them reach their goals. I have a few older clients who want to remain living independent. We do step-ups and step-downs to mimic stairs, farmer carries to mimic carrying bags from the store, box squats to mimic getting up from a chair (and the toilet), etc. When I have them do these exercises while I do give them the proper name I have them pretend to carry the groceries, stand up from the coach etc. This makes it more relatable and keeps them motivated to continue. They can also then see the improvement in "real life."

Explain to them that dysfunction and disease are most easily prevented by training regularly. There are more than enough studies and real-life anecdotes to explain the benefits of regular resistance training and cardiovascular activity. Also, the benefit of living pain-free is one you can't put a price-tag on, and if training at a consistent pace for years can prevent that, it's in everyone's best interest to do so.

Besides injury prevention, I would add the benefit of pain reduction. So many people experience daily pain in the back, shoulders or knees. With functional training the pain can be reduced or even completely eliminated.

Injury prevention is such a valuable but overlooked benefit of functional training. By improving strength, flexibility, and balance, functional training helps to reduce the risk of injuries in daily activities and workplace tasks.

There are a lot of benefits (other than strength and endurance, of course) that come with having a versatile, wide-ranging fitness regimen. - New dopamine hits from new challenges -- the novelty of doing something new allows for a new sense of achievement, and a fresh perspective on movement to give you a new challenge and goal to aspire for in being well-rounded - Giving yourself "easy days" -- underrated training idea here, but not every day needs to be crazy. You can still reap a *ton* of benefits from having a scaled-back day but still training. - Finding a new community in a new niche -- if you're someone who only strength trains, you might find an entirely new group of people to connect with if you, say, join a run club.

A strong core is crucial; it is the foundation of the body. The core is a group of muscles that help stabilize the spine and pelvis. Functional training puts a big focus on the core. A strong core can improve overall strength, balance and posture which reduces the strain on the limbs and back. The stronger the muscles of the core the lower the chance of pain and injury. Core work should be a focus regardless of age but the older you get the more important it is. A strong foundation can be the difference between being able to remain living independently or needing assisted living/a nursing home.

Maintaining movements when we get older can be a great motivator. Functional training will help much more in the daily transfer (i.e. getting up from a chair) than training on machines. Functional training should be a cornerstone when training for healthy aging and longevity.