Spring 2024 - 22

FUNCTIONALLY FIT
Functional tactical training can add
muscular strength and endurance
By Daniel J. Borowick, MS, CSCS, former DEA special
agent and founder of DOMEX Strength and Fitness
P
hysical fitness trends evolve from decade to
decade and the general population of society
embraces one or the other as more progressive
thinking assists us in more functional exercises for
everyday life.
However tactical athletes may need to be
more functionally fit for optimal job performance
compared to those in the general population who
may not have such a physically demanding job.
Tactical athletes must exhibit a broad range of
physical adaptations or traits that may be called
upon at a moment's notice.
With functional training, it really is about
convenience and access to a well-thought-out
program. During a functional program, the idea is
to train the body in all three planes of anatomical
motion-the sagittal, frontal, and transverse
planes. The sagittal plane separates the left and
right sides of the body, the frontal (or coronal)
plane separates the anterior and posterior,
and the transverse plane separates the upper
(superior) and lower (inferior) halves. All tactical
athletes need to be able to efficiently move their
bodies in these planes so they are fully equipped
to proficiently maneuver through any physically
demanding task they encounter. Not only does
training functionally accomplish these objectives
but, it also assists the operator in preventing
musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries.
22 | Tactical Training & Conditioning | Spring 2024
SAGITTAL
CORONAL
TRANSVERSE
BODY PLANES
What is appealing to many is the fact that
functional training can be accomplished with or
without weights. Additionally, functional training
will improve your balance, stability, flexibility,
and coordination. There is no focus on one
single muscle but rather several muscle groups
or compound exercises that deliver a total body
workout. Functional training will get you back to
where you once were or want to be. In essence,
your overall quality of life will improve.
Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2024
