Unraveling the Mystery of Functional Fitness: A Guide to Real-Life Fitness Training
“Functional Fitness: A Guide to Real-World Strength Training for All Ages and Abilities”
The term ‘functional fitness’ has been buzzing around gym circles and class descriptions, but what exactly does it mean? Emily Outterside, Senior Coach at F45 Oxford Circus, breaks it down for us. Functional training is a form of exercise that focuses on conditioning our body through strength, agility, and stability movements. Instead of using machines, functional fitness typically utilizes bodyweight or free weights, targeting multiple joints and movement planes for real-life functionality.
So, why is functional fitness important? It helps improve mobility, build power, speed, strengthen muscles, and enhance coordination. By incorporating compound exercises like squats, functional training ensures that multiple muscle groups work together to support the body in various movements, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall functionality in daily tasks.
Who can benefit from functional fitness? According to Emily, absolutely everyone! From desk workers looking to strengthen their posture to older adults aiming to improve muscle balance and prevent injuries, functional training is versatile and adaptable to all ages and abilities.
What does a typical functional fitness workout consist of? It usually involves a mix of exercises that target cardiovascular health and strength training. Plyometric exercises, unilateral exercises, and compound exercises like deadlifts and squats are common components of a functional fitness workout. The best part? You don’t need any equipment to get a good workout in.
Looking for some functional fitness exercises to try at home? Emily recommends walking lunges, press-ups, squats with overhead reach, planks, and deadlifts to improve strength and mobility.
Ready to dive into the world of functional fitness? Check out some of the best functional fitness classes and gyms in the UK, offering a variety of workouts tailored to enhance your overall fitness and well-being. Whether you prefer high-intensity circuit classes or outdoor functional training sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.