On this “Master Instructor Roundtable," co-hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, take a deep dive into the ever-evolving concept of functional training, a term often tossed around but rarely fully understood. Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Wendy and Marty unravel the origins of functional training, tracing its roots back to physical therapy in the 1970s and ’80s. They highlight how its true intent was to restore efficient, multi-joint movement patterns essential for everyday life—well beyond gym floor trends and Instagram-worthy workouts.

The hosts discuss how functional training has been redefined and sometimes misused as fitness fads have come and gone. They emphasize the importance of quality movement, stability, and assessment-backed programming rather than simply chasing novelty with flashy tools and exercises.

Both also break down the NASM OPT model, explaining how evidence-based assessments and targeted corrective strategies create purposeful, individualized progressions for every client—from elite athletes to older adults managing daily activities.Listeners will gain actionable advice on how to distinguish true function from mere fancy, why quality always trumps quantity, and how to align training with clients’ personal goals and real-world needs.

Whether you're a new trainer or a seasoned coach, this episode will help you clarify your understanding of functional training, reinforce the fundamentals of assessment-driven programming, and ultimately, train smarter for real-world results. 

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm