Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
๐ Apply for Coaching: form.typeform.com/to/GVU3nzAe
Have you heard the term "functional training" thrown around but never really understood what it means? You're not alone โ and in this episode, I'm breaking it all down.
We're covering where functional training actually comes from (hint: it's rooted in physical therapy and rehab), how it got co-opted by fitness marketing in the CrossFit era, and why the distinction between "functional" training and bodybuilding-style training is a lot less meaningful than the fitness industry wants you to think.
Here's the truth: all resistance training is functional. Whether you're doing compound movements or isolation exercises, you're building muscle, improving coordination, strengthening connective tissue, and helping your body move better. Isolation exercises aren't just for aesthetics โ they're foundational for correcting muscular imbalances, protecting your joints, and making your compound lifts stronger.
I also talk about the shame-based culture that often surrounds functional fitness discourse, and why whatever gets you in the gym and taking care of your body is worth celebrating โ no judgment on how you train.
In this episode:
๐ What functional training actually means and where it came from
๐ How fitness marketing turned it into an ideology
๐ Why bodybuilding-style training is just as functional as compound movement training
๐ How isolation exercises make your compound lifts stronger (with a real client example)
๐ Why shame-based fitness motivation doesn't work long-term
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: What is functional training?
00:57 - Welcome + about the podcast
02:17 - The origins of functional training in physical therapy and rehab
05:22 - Isolation exercises vs. compound exercises explained
08:02 - The reality: all resistance training is functional
12:04 - Why shame-based motivation doesn't work long term
14:00 - How isolation exercises help beginners and correct muscle imbalances
15:02 - Real client example: isolation work making compound lifts stronger
16:55 - What to look for in a good program
18:28 - Outro and social media links
๐๏ธ Ready for a program built around YOUR body and YOUR goals?
Apply for online personal training โ form.typeform.com/to/GVU3nzAe
๐ฑ Follow me everywhere @jaydigains (YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Threads)
๐ฎ Catch me live on Twitch โ twitch.tv/jaydigains (Live workouts, fitness Q&As, video games, and good vibes)
All Terms & Conditions apply jaydharrisonfitness.com/terms-conditions
๐ Apply for Coaching: form.typeform.com/to/GVU3nzAe
Have you heard the term "functional training" thrown around but never really understood what it means? You're not alone โ and in this episode, I'm breaking it all down.
We're covering where functional training actually comes from (hint: it's rooted in physical therapy and rehab), how it got co-opted by fitness marketing in the CrossFit era, and why the distinction between "functional" training and bodybuilding-style training is a lot less meaningful than the fitness industry wants you to think.
Here's the truth: all resistance training is functional. Whether you're doing compound movements or isolation exercises, you're building muscle, improving coordination, strengthening connective tissue, and helping your body move better. Isolation exercises aren't just for aesthetics โ they're foundational for correcting muscular imbalances, protecting your joints, and making your compound lifts stronger.
I also talk about the shame-based culture that often surrounds functional fitness discourse, and why whatever gets you in the gym and taking care of your body is worth celebrating โ no judgment on how you train.
In this episode:
๐ What functional training actually means and where it came from
๐ How fitness marketing turned it into an ideology
๐ Why bodybuilding-style training is just as functional as compound movement training
๐ How isolation exercises make your compound lifts stronger (with a real client example)
๐ Why shame-based fitness motivation doesn't work long-term
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: What is functional training?
00:57 - Welcome + about the podcast
02:17 - The origins of functional training in physical therapy and rehab
05:22 - Isolation exercises vs. compound exercises explained
08:02 - The reality: all resistance training is functional
12:04 - Why shame-based motivation doesn't work long term
14:00 - How isolation exercises help beginners and correct muscle imbalances
15:02 - Real client example: isolation work making compound lifts stronger
16:55 - What to look for in a good program
18:28 - Outro and social media links
๐๏ธ Ready for a program built around YOUR body and YOUR goals?
Apply for online personal training โ form.typeform.com/to/GVU3nzAe
๐ฑ Follow me everywhere @jaydigains (YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Threads)
๐ฎ Catch me live on Twitch โ twitch.tv/jaydigains (Live workouts, fitness Q&As, video games, and good vibes)
All Terms & Conditions apply jaydharrisonfitness.com/terms-conditions
