The Benefits Of Functional Fitness Training
The idea of keeping fit can seem to some people like an extracurricular activity, rather than something that is a part of their everyday life. However, we all do some form of exercise as we go about our daily routine, whether that’s walking up and down the stairs or reaching for something from a high shelf.
This is where the concept of functional fitness comes in. It’s about tailoring your exercise to mimic the type of activities you do during your day-to-day. This means that you are more supple and agile in your movements and well up to tasks such as carrying the groceries home, playing with your dog or kids in the park, or running for a bus.
Functional fitness is not about pushing for a set of well-defined abs or low body fat, but more about equipping you for a better everyday quality of life. It is particularly suitable for people who have not done any type of formal exercise before or people who want to maintain a range of flexibility and muscle strength as they get older.
What type of movements does functional fitness involve?
Functional fitness workouts typically involve moving different joints and muscle groups. They might include simple movements such as squats, lunges and bridges. Or more advanced movements such as kipping pull-ups and tire flips. They can also involve some form of cardio, such as walking, jogging, or running.
You might want to rely on your own methods or work with a personal trainer online for expert guidance. This can help you to stay motivated and accountable to your goals.
What are the benefits of functional fitness training?
As well as the aforementioned benefits of making daily tasks easier, functional fitness can enhance your life in other ways.
Reduced risk of injury
It can greatly decrease your risk of injuries by boosting your muscle strength and suppleness. This makes you less prone to falls or putting your back out when you bend down to lift something heavy off the floor. If you are recovering from an injury, your exercise routine can be specifically targeted to support and strengthen the relevant muscle groups.
Improved balance and posture
Your balance and posture will improve, which places less stress on your muscles and joints and means that you are less likely to suffer from joint and back pain. Good posture can also help you to feel more confident about your appearance and boost your self-esteem.
Increased strength and flexibility
The exercises will help you to build muscle strength and flexibility, which means that you can more easily carry out activities such as DIY or cleaning. It will also help to improve your endurance during cardio activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
Time efficiency and variety
There is no need to spend hours at the gym to begin your functional fitness journey. Even 20 minutes of exercise three times a week can start to make a difference. The exercises are highly adaptable, do not require any equipment, and can be constantly varied to maintain your interest and keep you challenged.