The simpleton mantra that you create a functional muscle by making it stronger is nonsense.
Functional is the ability to have endurance and not get gassed. If you can run a couple of miles at a good clip you have no gas tank. Functional is power. Functional is the ability to jump and explode. Squatting 700lbs and not being able to touch the rim of a basketball rim is not functional leg strength. Squatting 700lbs but waddling like a duck when you try to sprint shows a lack of power. Benching big numbers doesn't mean you can automatically punch harder than a 145lbs boxer who can't bench 225lbs. Power is how quickly you release your strength. What hurts more a 500lb bencher slowly pushing his hand with all his might into your face or a snapped punch at warp speed?
What should be talked about as functional muscle is power that has a strength component but it's not pure strength. Olympic lifting is a demonstration of true power strength. Power lifting should be named strength lifting.
Every boxer and submission wrestler can tell the tale of the skinny guy who easily beats the cosmetic muscle wonder.
