What is functional fitness?
Functional fitness is a classification of training that prepares the body for real-life movements and activities. Also known as functional training or functional movement, “It trains your muscles to work together and prepares them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work, or in sports.” – Mayo Clinic. Movements such as squatting, reaching, pulling, and lifting will be made easier with functional fitness integrated into your exercise routine. According to WebMD.com, functional fitness is focused on building a body capable of doing real-life activities in real-life positions, not just lifting a certain amount of weight in an idealized posture created by a gym machine. For example, you could be deadlifting 400+ pounds in the gym, but when you go to put a suitcase in the back of your car, you throw your back out. Or, you can bicep curl with 50-pound dumbbells with perfect form, but picking up your child makes you pull a muscle. If either of these things sound like you, it may be time to incorporate functional fitness training into your routine.
Courtesy of opexfit.com
Courtesy of opexfit.com