What is Functional Fitness?
Many of us have heard the term before, but do we truly know and understand what it means? Let’s have a closer look at what Functional Fitness is all about!
1. Definition
Functional Fitness Exercises train your muscles to help you do everyday activities safely and efficiently. They are designed to train and develop your muscles to make it easier and safer to perform everyday activities, such as carrying groceries or playing a game of basketball with your kids.
Source: Mayo Clinic
2. What Constitutes a ‘Functional Fitness Exercise’?
Essentially, any exercise which trains your muscles for activities performed in your everyday life.
For example, doing an exercise called ‘Farmer’s Walk‘ (which is basically walking a certain distance whilst carrying weights) will aid to promote your grocery carrying as the weights simulate the groceries!
In the case of sports specific, any exercise which trains your muscles for your performance in your sport.
For example, if you are a rower or canoeist, doing rows using the ‘Rowing Machine‘ simulates the actual movement of paddling in the water. Therefore, rows can be considered as a functional training exercise which aids to improve your actual performance!
Can you think of a few functional exercises which can help to improve your performance in daily activities or in your own sport?
3. Benefits of Functional Training
Improved Quality of Life
Functional exercises tend to use multiple joints and numerous muscles. Instead of only moving the elbows, for example, a functional exercise might involve the elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles. This type of training, properly applied, can make everyday activities easier, reduce your risk of injury and improve your quality of life.
Functional exercise training may be especially beneficial to improve balance, agility and muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls.
Improved Sports Performance
If you’re an athlete, functional training coupled with resistance training can produce tremendous results. It may lead to increase in certain performance specific attributes (e.g. Strength, Speed, Power, Stamina, Mobility, etc).
4. Getting Started on Functional Training
Functional training is ideal and recommended for everyone (unless otherwise advised by your medical practitioner)!
If you’re just starting out and would like to give functional training a go, you can start off by doing functional exercises with your bodyweight. Here are some examples of bodyweight functional exercises;
- Push Ups
- Squats
- Jump Squats
- Lunges
- Walking Lunges
- … and more!
For the bold and adventurous ones seeking fun and excitement in your workouts, why not join our Active Kickboxing Fitness Classes or Active Kickboxing Bootcamp Classes?
These 2 classes have all the following:
- Functional Training
- Resistance Training
- Cardio Training
- Strength Training elements
All of these which ultimately gives you, the perfect workout.
Interested?
Make friends, exercise in a safe environment (women only) and have fun!
—
Contact
For more information on our group classes, contact us at:
Name: Active Red
Email: info@activered.sg
Phone: 8363 5661
Website: www.activered.sg
Online Store: www.activelife-shop.weebly.com
Remember to follow us on Facebook at:
“Like” Active Red Facebook Page
Active Red 