Functional Strength Training for Physical Education

Functional strength training is one of the most beneficial forms of fitness training, but it is often not included in a secondary physical education curriculum. Lack of equipment or weight rooms can be an issue, and uncertainty about how to teach students correct techniques can be intimidating. Plus, there may be misconceptions about strength training for secondary students, resulting in teachers excluding strength training or placing too much emphasis on machine-based isolation strength training.

Functional Strength Training for Physical Education offers an easy-to-implement approach for teachers of all experience levels. It provides secondary physical education teachers an understanding of functional strength training benefits and how to develop a program that will give all students skills for their lifetime, regardless of what activities and occupations they pursue. It also offers coaches and strength and conditioning professionals a wealth of information to develop student-athletes at the middle school and high school levels.

Functional Strength Training for Physical Education includes the following:

• A comprehensive curriculum map to shape the program design, lesson planning, and assessments in the physical education setting
• Detailed lists of functional strength training skill progressions based on 11 different movement categories, including 83 exercise variations, to meet the needs of all students
• Step-by-step teaching methods and cues for all skill progressions to be used with or without equipment
• Facility design guidelines to maximize space and budget in the school or training facility setting
• Related online materials featuring 25 photo and video demonstrations with detailed exercise descriptions and external skill cues, as well as skill checklists, a sample curriculum map and design template, and templates for sport performance programs.

Sample functional warm-ups as well as sample functional strength training plans provide further examples of what to include in a functional strength training program. In addition, all the programs, units, and curricula are guided by the latest SHAPE America national standards for physical education.

Author Nate VanKouwenberg, a physical education teacher and the owner of his own strength and conditioning business, provides guidance on how to perform functional skills with proper techniques and how to design quality workouts connected to students' personal goals. His approach to functional strength training helps students enjoy the fitness methods and apply them to everyday activities outside of the classroom or training facility.

Functional Strength Training for Physical Education will help instructors provide secondary-level students the tools they need to build a strong foundation of fitness and wellness that will last for a lifetime.

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