This is so true, I am amazed at what the Trainers in my gym ask their clients to do. You’re right in that many of the exercises serve no real purpose, recruit less muscle mass and slow the tempo of the workout down. All not good!

But FT in the right hands does have merit. There is still too much mindless exercise in the gym (eg most machines, poor form, concentration etc) and clients need to associate with exercise rather than disassociate (eg mindful exercise). So whereas the motivation for FT has often been extrinsic (that bland statement of improving the quality of their everyday lives), it is far better when it is intrinsic (where the focus is physical mastery, developing body awareness, mind-body connection etc).

It’s a subtle shift, but may well explain those who get FT and those who don’t….. Noel Lyons.