Functional Fitness, Benefit or Hindrance?

The fitness industry constantly changes and has new improved ways to workout. But with minimal research and data to back these new findings up can you really trust these sources? Over the past few years functional fitness has been what more group fitnesses have moved towards.

What is functional fitness?

The definition provided by the Mayo Clinic, is to “exercise/train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time.” Now that you have that lengthy definition to ponder, an example movement and similar exercise would be to pick a box up from the floor and push it overhead and the exercise would be a clean and jerk or a thruster.

Who can benefit from functional fitness?

If you pick up boxes, have a child, clean the house, and perform any daily tasks that require physical activity functional fitness is perfect for you. The benefits range from reduced risk of injury to improved range of motion in joints.

*Can make daily activities easier

*Reduce your risk of injury

*Improve quality of life

*Quick and concise workload

*Improves balance and muscle strength

*Reduces risk of falling

*Improves range of motion in joints

*Improves endurance

Now get out and go enjoy a workout!

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680