What Is Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness may be the buzz word for 2012. According to many fitness experts it is the burgeoning trend in fitness. But what exactly is functional fitness and how do you do it?

Image via WikipediaFunctional Fitness Defined

Functional fitness is about training your muscles to work together to perform every day functions. For example, a standard push up works a muscle group but it isolates the muscles. Shoveling snow on the other hand uses all of your upper body muscles.

In the real world you’re more likely to shovel snow than to need the muscles required for a push up. Functional fitness is about teaching your muscles to work together optimally rather than to function independently, thus keeping your muscles conditioned to handle the tasks you need them for, when you need them, and help avoid injury.

Functional fitness can be done in the gym with a personal trainer. It can also be done at home with basic dumbbells or kettle bells. There are even books and DVDs that walk you through the exercises.

What Does a Typical Training Session Look Like?

A functional fitness class or training session is performed primarily while standing upright. This is because that’s how we perform most of the day’s functions. You don’t shovel snow sitting or laying down!

Initially, most experts recommend using your body weight for the exercises. For example, can you do a one legged squat without falling over using only your body weight? Most people cannot. In addition to working without weights, at least initially, you’ll first focus on control and balance. Once you’ve mastered control over your body you’ll then begin to add weights.

Image via WikipediaWho is Functional Fitness For?

Functional fitness is exceptional because it helps achieve several goals at once. It does offer the weight loss and fitness benefits of a traditional strength and flexibility program. It also helps strengthen your body so you have proper form when you perform everyday activities. This prevents injury, and prevents or even relieves chronic pain in some cases.

How to Find a Functional Fitness Program

Most gyms today now offer functional fitness trainers and programs. If you’re interested, you should easily be able to find a qualified trainer. You can also find top quality books and functional fitness DVDs available online and at fitness stores. Because there really isn’t any special equipment required, at least not in the beginning, you can start a program at home and transition to the gym when you’re ready to advance.

Want to try a functional fitness exercise? Here's a quick example: Stand up straight. Bend one leg so you’re standing fully on the other. Now bend your standing leg as if you were sitting down and do a one legged squat (keep your weight towards the heel, and if you have poor balance, start close to a wall so you can lightly touch it with your hand if needed, but won't cheat and push yourself up with your hand). That’s a functional fitness exercise. Want more? See below for some resources.


Functional Fitness Resources: