Functional Fitness - Setting You Up For Life

So what does being functionally fit actually mean? Contrary to what some may think, it doesn’t involve balancing awkwardly on a stability ball while juggling various objects over your head. Functional fitness is about training your body to replicate movements found in everyday activities. Doing a crazy balancing act on a stability ball might be good for circus performers, for the rest of us, unnecessary and somewhat embarrassing.

The key to functional exercise is integration. It’s about teaching all the muscles to work together, rather than isolating them to work independently. Next time you’re down at the local park take a look at the kids - lifting, catching, pulling, pushing and throwing – movements we’re all likely to perform throughout our lives.

So what exercises should we be doing to stay functionally fit? The squat, push press, push up, sit up, deadlift and pull up are all basic lifts and body movements that can be easily translated into everyday activities. If you’re just starting out these movements can seem a little daunting, but when taught correctly these movements will see you safely through almost any movement in life.

Remember – correct form is crucial! See here for my spotlight on push ups.

Mastering these exercises can change your daily working routine, mean the difference between independent living and fulltime care later in life, or simply give you the ability to enjoy the odd game of tennis or to play freely with your children.

Be fit, be functional!