Ask the Muscle Doc: Is Bodybuilding-Style Training Functional?

The term "functional training" is one of the most popular buzzwords in fitness. It's also one of the most misused. The idea behind functional training is to use exercises that optimize your ability to carry out the activities of daily living, recreational pursuits, and/or sports performance. Proponents believe that multijoint free-weight exercises are better than single-joint and machine movements because they better approximate functional tasks. Bodybuilding-style workouts are often dismissed as "nonfunctional" by the functional training crowd.

Don't get caught up in the craze for "functional fitness." All exercise can improve your functional capacity and increase your zest for life! →

MetaBurn90: Peppers Stuffed with Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage

Stuffed peppers are a great way to practice portion control and provide a low-carb alternative to tortillas and other wraps. Cumin, coriander, and fennel help round out the seasonings for the turkey and brown rice stuffing, while chopped cilantro adds a bit of freshness.

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MetaBurn90: Beet Falafel with Low-Fat Tzatziki

Falafel is traditionally made just with ground chickpeas, but the rich, earthy flavor of cooked beets makes for a flavorful and colorful addition.

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The Science of Muscle Recovery: The Role of Active Recovery

The idea that if you're going to train hard, you have to recover hard has been around for a long time, but the concept of recovery—and what approach is best—has changed considerably over the years. When I first started training seriously 25 years ago, things were quite different. Back then, if you crushed yourself in the gym, it only made sense that you'd want to take a full day (or two!) off to recover. Nowadays, if you're really serious about your recovery, you know that sitting on your butt for 24-48 hours after a session is less than ideal. Chances are, your body is giving you subtle hints about this as well.

So, if sitting around isn't the ideal scenario, what is? →

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Ask the Ageless Lifter: What's the Best Machine Move?

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