Fitness is Function—A Synopsis of Functional Fitness Training and Traditional Strength Training

Apply It! • Exercise professionals should expect to prescribe more traditional strength training (TST) and functional fitness training (FFT) in the upcoming year, as they both ranked in ACSM's Worldwide Fitness Trends list for 2026. • The benefits of TST are well documented as they include increased muscular endurance, hypertrophy, power, and strength, which help athletes and the general population perform their desired tasks with greater ease. In a similar vein, FFT, which essentially involves mimicking any task of interest with various forms of external load, also leads to improved performance outcomes. • TST and FFT have much in common because they both lead to improved functional-task performance for ball-sport athletes, general population clients, and occupational athletes. Both should be included in a comprehensive resistance training plan.