Are You Functionally Fit?

Do you grimace at the thought of bending down to pick up a bucket of paint…and then lifting it to a high shelf? Does your lower back punish you after a day of yard work? How about your golf swing—could it use a little more power behind your stroke? If are nodding your head then functional training may be just what you need to improve the quality of your daily life.

What is functional training?  Functional training uses exercises that utilize multiple muscles and joints simultaneously in a way that mimics everyday movements. These exercises follow three main movements—rotational, front-to-back and side-to-side—to involve large groups of muscles and to develop strength and coordination.

These are skills that can be applied to real life…

Most of your daily activities involve complex movements rather than fixed movements. This simply means that when you are holding a squirming child, reaching for a book on the top shelf or helping your friend move his couch your body is recruiting many muscles to work in a coordinated effort. Functional training seeks to condition your body to function with more agility and power while you execute these activities.

What are the benefits of functional training? Functional training puts emphasis on your core stabilizers—your abdominals and lower back—which helps improve both your balance and ability to transfer power from lower body to upper body. In practical terms this means that lifting heavy items or maneuvering uneven terrain becomes easier, and at the same time you become less vulnerable for injury.

Suddenly that paint bucket isn’t so intimidating…

For all you weekend warriors, functional training can also improve your game! The key is to perform exercises that put your body through the movement of your sport while placing your muscles under resistance. This is a great way to maximize the power and speed of your athletic performance.

The key to your fitness success is consistency. Whether or not functional training makes its way into your exercise regimen, the key is that you are moving your body, burning calories, strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility. When you consistently make an effort to live a more active lifestyle your fitness and weight loss goals will come within your reach.

Want more information on how functional training can improve the quality of your life? Did you know that the solution to your fitness goal is right before your eyes? Contact me, your local fitness expert to learn how functional training can put a spring into your step!

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