What is functional fitness exactly?

Functional fitness is exercise that's intended to condition the body for daily life.  It utilizes exercises that promote the development of body motions used in your regular work and personal life with the intent that you will be better prepared to fulfill these movements without injury and at a better efficiency.  With this in mind functional fitness often includes exercises that mimic motions you do in your everyday life.  However, a well-rounded functional fitness routine will also include movements that condition the parts of the body that may often be left out and underdeveloped due to your daily activities.

How to build a functional fitness routine that works for you.

Use the following steps to develop a functional fitness routine that is effective in your personal life.

1. First think about what you do all day.  What motions do you repeat often?  What body parts do you use the most and the least?  Is there a motion that you feel particularly strained when doing?  Consider actions such as balancing, walking, bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, and sitting.

2. Next think of exercises you are familiar with, as well as find new ones, that create a balanced workout.  You want a combination of exercises that both develop your problem or weak areas, conditioning your most often used areas, and stretches that will help relieve tense or tight areas.

3. Now get to work!  You have your routine, start training and make adjustments as you start getting results and learn what is working and what's not.  Also make changes if your lifestyle changes.  You know what you do all day, pay attention and listen to your body.

Functional Fitness Exercise Ideas

Some will find the following exercises fit into their own personal functional fitness needs.  So, take a look at a few of these ideas and implement anything you see fit.