Functional Fitness : Real World Strength
What is Functional Fitness?
At its core, functional fitness refers to exercises that mimic movements you do in daily life. These workouts involve full-body, multi-joint movements that improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Instead of isolating muscles, functional exercises train your body to work as a cohesive unit, making everyday tasks—like lifting groceries, bending to tie your shoes, or climbing stairs—easier and more efficient.
Functional fitness workouts typically include exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and push-ups. These movements not only strengthen muscles but also improve stability, mobility, and joint health, reducing your risk of injury. The emphasis is on improving your body’s ability to move freely and perform daily tasks more efficiently!
You’ve probably done ALL of these functional fitness moves in LifeCYCLE classes (in the last week, let’s be honest).
Squats: One of the best functional movements, squats engage the entire lower body and core, improving your ability to sit, stand, and lift.
Deadlifts: This exercise strengthens your posterior chain (back, glutes, hamstrings) and mimics bending to pick something up off the ground, making daily lifting tasks safer.
Lunges: Lunges enhance lower body strength, balance, and coordination, improving your stability when walking, climbing stairs, or changing direction quickly.
Push-Ups: A great upper body and core exercise that replicates pushing movements, whether it’s opening a door or moving objects.
Planks: Planks are excellent for building core strength, which is essential for maintaining proper posture and stability during any physical activity.
Functional fitness is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned athlete, a busy parent, or someone looking to improve their overall health. The key is to focus on movements that enhance the activities YOU do most in your life. Next time you’re grueling through a workout at the studio, think about how much your body is going to thank you the next time you’re hauling groceries in from the car (In the least amount of trips as possible, of course).