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Which one is ‘better’ for you?
As a PT with a background in sports science and someone who’s always loved movement, from running and swimming competitively to completing a triathlon I’ve seen firsthand how different types of training shape not just your physique, but your performance, confidence, and daily life.
Two terms people hear a lot are bodybuilding and functional fitness. They often get mixed up or compared as if one is “better” than the other, but the truth is they each have their place depending on your goals. If you’re unsure where you fit, this guide will help you understand the difference and even how to blend both for the best results.
What is Body Building Training?
Bodybuilding is all about muscle size, shape, and aesthetics. The goal is to develop a balanced, muscular, and well-defined physique.
Key Features of Bodybuilding Training
- Isolation exercises like bicep curls, leg extensions, and lateral raises
- Split routines (e.g., push/pull/legs or body part-specific days)
- Higher volume with controlled tempos
- Mind–muscle connection to target specific areas
- Progressive overload to increase muscle size and strength
Bodybuilding builds:
- Muscular definition
- Symmetry
- Strength (although it’s not tailored for maximum strength like powerlifting)
- Aesthetic goals such as toning, shaping, and sculpting
Who It’s Good For
People who want to:
- Change their body composition
- Build muscle
- Improve appearance and confidence
- Follow structured, predictable routines
It is also great for beginners because movements can be controlled, simple, and low-impact.
What Is Funtional Fitness?
Functional fitness focuses on making your body better at the movements you actually do in everyday life lifting, twisting, reaching, running, balancing, jumping, and stabilising.
You might have heard of it through CrossFit, athletic training, or circuits that mimic real-life movements.
Key Features of Functional Training
- Compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, rows, push-ups
- Multi-joint movements
- Core stability and balance work
- Mobility training
- Strength combined with cardio
- Often performed in circuits or high-intensity formats
Functional fitness builds:
- Strength you can use in daily life
- Mobility and flexibility
- Better posture
- Balance and injury resilience
- Cardiovascular fitness
Who It’s Good For
People who want to:
- Improve overall fitness
- Move better in daily tasks
- Boost athletic performance
- Build practical strength
- Improve endurance and power
Functional training is amazing for busy people because it hits multiple aspects of fitness in one session.
Bodybuilding vs Functional Fitness: The Main Differences
| Bodybuilding | Functional Fitness |
| Focuses on muscle size & aesthetics | Focuses on performance & movement |
| Uses isolation & machine-based exercises | Uses compound, full-body movements |
| Trains muscles individually | Trains muscles to work together |
| Ideal for shaping & toning | Ideal for athleticism & everyday strength |
| Predictable routines | Varied, dynamic workouts |
The Ideal Approach: Combine Both
Some of the strongest, healthiest, and most athletic clients I train use a hybrid style:
Build muscle with bodybuilding → move better with functional training.
A blended approach gives you:
- A more sculpted physique
- Stronger joints
- Better posture
- Less injury risk
- Increased metabolism
- Practical strength for daily life
This is especially important as we age, because muscle mass naturally declines after around age 30. Strength training (whether functional or bodybuilding-based) is one of the most powerful tools we have to maintain independence, bone health, and metabolic rate long term.
Final Thoughts
Both bodybuilding and functional fitness are incredibly effective. The real question isn’t which one is “better” it’s which one aligns with your goals. If you want to sculpt, tone, and build confidence in your physique, bodybuilding is perfect. If you want to move better, get fitter, and build real-world strength, functional training is the way to go. And if you want the best of both? A personalised plan can combine the two so you look good and feel strong in every part of your life.
If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to reach out I’d love to help you build a plan that works for your goals, lifestyle, and confidence in the gym 💪 Contact me in December for 50% off sessions! Limited spaces so message fast!
Instagram – @trainwithmaia.pt
Email – maia@soundmindandbody.co.uk
