Jason Momoa does functional muscle training and thus achieves the body of Aquaman. Nothing else? It seems so, to a large extent.
While it is true that sets with external weights that mechanically stimulate muscle fibers are ideal for hypertrophy (for bigger muscles), rhythmic gymnastics and functional training are not far behind. There are in fact many practitioners of these two disciplines who hold a nucleus worked and some bulky biceps.
As has become a custom among celebrities who play superheroes, part of their posts on social networks is to show how they prepare for roles. So we learned that Jason Momoa relies on functional.
What is functional muscle training?
It is possible that you have seen in front of a gym that “functional classes” are offered. Or that you’ve read a note like this, which says that Jason Momoa does functional muscle training instead of traditional machines.
But what is this mode? As the name indicates, it is a regulated and serial exercise whose purpose is to improve the physical condition for the daily “features”.
This means that the plan does not aim to have aesthetic muscles, but useful for everyday life. This is why the movements that are proposed have a clear orientation towards the multi-joint, as we will explain later. And balance is also stimulated, as it is an essential quality from the moment we wake up until we go to bed at night.
Now it’s possible you’re catching it better. Jason Momoa’s functional muscle training will give you bigger muscles, but it should also make you more efficient when performing daily taskssimple ones, like bending down, reaching for a distant object, or just walking.
The main characteristics of functional training
If we had to summarize those characteristics of the “functional” that make it special, different from other floors and with a clear practical application, we would say that they are the following:
- Train multiple muscles at the same time: this is what we mentioned earlier as multiarticular. Instead of just working the biceps with a routine, what we do is mobilize the entire upper limb. Why? Because in real life we need the shoulder and elbow joints to reach a tall object, for example.
- Use concentric and eccentric movements: daily activities almost always require full muscle extension and complete relaxation. This is how we work most of the day. This is known as concentric movement AND eccentric in strength training. With machines we can be tempted to do only one of these phases, i.e. just contract and come back “halfway” with the weight, for example. The functional prioritizes full movements, initiating, contracting, holding, relaxing, and returning to the starting position.
- It offers unilateral works: functional muscle training attempts to promote balance. And it is that for daily life it is essential. For this reason, exercises are proposed with only one side of the body loaded with a little weight. In this way we are forced to compensate for the force in order not to fall. This stimulates our sense of orientation in space and strengthens the nucleus indirectly, since much of the tension of the fibers that support our posture resides there.
Jason Momoa’s favorite functional muscle training exercises
The actor spread in the social networks What are your main exercises? It doesn’t mean they are the only ones. But it is interesting to review these options that you have disclosed and which can serve as a guide for those starting out in functional mode.
bulgarian squats, Bulgarian squats or split squats
AND squat use one back leg, usually on a bench or something elevated. In this way the supporting leg performs the up and down movement in a sort of imbalance.
A kettlebell can be added to the set to add complexity. There are also variations with bars that you hold while performing the movement.
Momoa performs 6 sets of 10 repetitions for each leg. Which equals 120 complete movements.
Climbing
Climbing is a discipline in its own right. It exists in its variant indoorsin specially equipped arenas, as well as in its alpine version, outdoors (on rock or ice).
Jason Momoa is a regular climber. In this way the multi-joint movements are a ruleas each reach to reach a prey or a reliable grip usually involves different muscles.
In turn, climbing requires a nucleus business. Most of the time you need to be in constant isotonic contraction of the abdominal muscles to bring the trunk closer to the wall and balance the counterweight of gravity.
Medicine ball
Using the medicine ball is a functional alternative to traditional weights. The object allows for more complex dynamics, with the need for balance and a powerful work of the nucleus.
Balls have different weights and they can be used to lunge, to throw a partner, to rotate the trunk axis with them, and to feel centrifugal pressure. There are those who regulate the movements to make them slowly. Others prefer explosiveness.
In both cases, it is a versatile tool that fits very well into functional plans. Nor should we underestimate the precision required in the hands to hold the ball, which adds training to the wrists and fingers.
Outdoor, contact sports and yoga for Aquaman’s body
Jason Momoa does functional muscle training, but he is also an outdoor sports enthusiast. Next to the climb, when it’s hot and the sea is close, he enjoys surfing.
Boxing is another of his usual activities. The physical benefits of those who train this discipline are well recognized, because it’s not just about releasing anger. In fact, the actor is a yoga practitioner, who anyone would put at the antipodes of a ring. However, the combination provides power in the fibers and flexibility.
You don’t have time to replicate all the activities of Aquaman? Start with functional training. It is an exercise for everyday life. Nothing better than being more efficient in what we do on a daily basis.
The post Functional Muscle Training: Jason Momoa’s Alternative to Stay Fit first appeared in Better Health.