It’s not just about what happens inside the gym.
What is functional exercise?
Functional exercise is a type of physical training that focuses on strengthening the body’s ability to perform activities of daily living. These exercises target the muscles and movements that are used in everyday tasks, such as lifting groceries, bending down to pick up a child, or reaching up to grab an object from a high shelf. The benefits of functional exercise extend beyond the gym or workout space, as they can help improve overall health and well-being in everyday life. Here are some of the ways functional exercise can benefit you in your day-to-day activities:
- Improving Balance and Stability
Functional exercises that focus on balance and stability can help prevent falls and injuries in everyday life. These exercises can include standing on one leg, or doing single-leg squats. By improving your balance and stability, you can move more confidently and safely, even on uneven surfaces.
- Increasing Strength and Endurance
Functional exercises can improve your strength and endurance for everyday tasks. For example, lifting weights or doing push-ups can help you lift heavy bags or furniture, while cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling can help you climb stairs or carry heavy objects for longer periods of time.
- Reducing Pain and Discomfort
Functional exercises can also help reduce pain and discomfort in everyday life. By strengthening the muscles that support the body, you can alleviate stress on joints and reduce the risk of injury. For example, strengthening the muscles in your lower back can help reduce back pain, while strengthening your core can improve your posture and reduce neck and shoulder pain.
- Improving Flexibility and Range of Motion
Functional exercises that focus on flexibility and range of motion can improve your ability to perform everyday activities. For example, stretching exercises can help you reach for objects on high shelves or tie your shoes more easily. By improving your flexibility and range of motion, you can move more freely and comfortably in your everyday life.
- Boosting Energy and Mood
Functional exercise can also have a positive impact on your energy and mood. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost overall feelings of well-being. By feeling more energized and positive, you may find it easier to tackle daily tasks and responsibilities.
Functional exercise is an effective way to improve your physical health and well-being in everyday life. By targeting the muscles and movements used in daily activities, you can improve your balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance, as well as reduce pain and discomfort. Incorporating functional exercise into your daily routine can help you move with more confidence and ease, and improve your overall quality of life.
At Lift Health and Fitness, our programs primarily focus on functional fitness. It is our mission to not only help you achieve your goals but to build sustainable habits and lifelong knowledge on how to improve your quality of life. Whether you are crushing clean and jerks in a group class, doing pistol squats in a training session, or doing 30 minutes of cardio from your online program…you are participating in functional fitness.
It is never too late to start bettering your health and your circumstances. So what are you waiting for? Come on into the gym, grab a cup of coffee, and sit down with one of our coaches to get a game plan in place for your success. We offer a wide variety of programs to fit all of your health and fitness needs.
Book your free Intro now by clicking the link below. But don’t wait; spots are limited!