In a new 8-part series, actor Kunal Kapoor shares alternative fitness techniques that are far from boring, with MiD DAY readers

Functional training does what crunches can not do

In a new 8-part series, actor Kunal Kapoor shares alternative fitness techniques that are far from boring, with MiD DAY readers

Over the next eight weeks, I am going to take you through eight fun ways to keep fit. Look beyond the treadmill and weights. But at the onset, I want to admit that with fun, there will be some pain too. No gain without pain.

I am really no expert on fitness, so anything I say or do, can't be held against me in a court of law.

It's just that I have always been incredibly inquisitive about fitness, and am constantly trying to discover new ways to keep fit.

Over the years, I have experimented with various techniques and rejected what didn't work and incorporated what did. This week, we are talking Functional Training.

My trainer describes functional training as "a series of exercises that convert fat, sugar and starch into a strong core, balance and functionality".
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The exercises target core muscles in the abdomen and lower back. It readies you for daily functions.
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Whether it's a marathon runner, dancer, or homemaker who wants to carry her children without injuring herself, functional training proves helpful.

My experience

I first started it four years ago at the insistence of my physiotherapist. I couldn't understand what the fuss was about.
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But I took a class with trainer Prameet Kotak, who was down from Australia. Forty minutes into the workout and I felt like a 98-pound weakling.

I wanted to creep out of the gym, and crawl back into bed. I was used to doing several sets of crunches, but after I finished with functional training, I realised how weak my core was.

The crunches only strengthened the exterior muscles. Functional training helped strengthen the underlying muscles.

With regular practice, my posture and balance have improved. I now stand taller, and feel more strength when I play a sport or dance.

Until next week, happy calorie burning.

As told to Dinesh Raheja, Bollywood News Service

Your celeb inspiration
Akshay Kumar is known to incorporate functional training moves into his fitness regime. Imran Khan, Dia Mirza and Dino Morea too. Out west, I've read that David Beckham and Jennifer Lopez are fans. Apparently Gerard Butler and the 300 movie team were also into it. Recently, Jake Gyllenhaal resorted to functional training while
preparing for Prince of Persia.

Equipment you need
Physioballs (also called Swiss balls), dumbbells, medicine balls, kettlebells, resistance tubes, whole body vibration equipment, balance disks, sandbags and suspension system (TRX).