Functional fitness trains your body to perform movements that mimic those you’d do everyday: walking, running, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, squatting and hauling.
How do you build functional strength?
Boosts mood: “Functional Strong and Fit training is an effective way to get your heart pumping, circulating oxygen around the body and improving mood,” says Ashenden. It’s an ideal workout for anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
In addition, functional strength training exercises work multiple muscle groups at once. This gets large muscles working in tandem with stabilizer muscles to strengthen body awareness and muscle memory, as well as build a stronger overall body.
Reduces risk of injury
Stronger, more coordinated muscles are better prepared to handle daily activities like carrying groceries or climbing stairs, which is why they’re so important for health and safety. Without training the muscles you use in these movements, you can be prone to injury, as well as a shortened life expectancy.
The best part is that it’s easier than ever to incorporate functional strength and cardio into your workout routine. These workouts can be performed anywhere and any time, using any equipment, including free weights (like dumbbells and kettlebells).
If you’re looking for a new approach to strength training that will help you reach your goals while helping you avoid injuries, consider adding a focus on functional fitness. It’s an effective way to increase muscle mass, lose fat, and improve your overall health, even if you don’t have a lot of time for a workout.