WHY FUNCTIONAL FITNESS?

What is Functional Fitness? 

Functional Fitness is a method of training in an integrated (rather than an isolated) way; it incorporates a variety of modalities in a more natural way of moving than other forms of exercise; it is excellent for achieving balance within the body and for developing useable strength that can help you do everything more efficiently. Functional Fitness can help you carry your groceries up a flight of stairs with greater ease, or give you the strength and stability needed to lift a kayak onto the roof of your car. It can give you the edge in competitive sports performance including everything from golf and tennis to biking and hiking.  It can even help with your mobility and balance when hunting and fishing. Functional Fitness Training is the key to unlocking your full potential.

How is Functional Fitness Different from Traditional Strength Training? 

Rather than breaking down body parts into isolated components (think workout machines), or the over-training associated with traditional weight lifting (heavier and heavier weights increasingly stressing certain parts of the body, often resulting in chronic injuries), Functional Fitness Training utilizes compound movements involving many body parts at the same time. It is a safer, lower impact, more efficient and more effective modality than strictly training for strength and/or muscle size. In traditional strength training exercises, the lifter utilizes repetitive isolation movements to one stress part of the body (think Bench Press or leg extension machine) all other muscles are at rest which can create overall weakness and imbalance. 

What Should I expect During My Workout?

Functional Fitness incorporates exercise from many familiar (and for some, unfamiliar) modalities. It encompasses body-weight training, core and stability training; yoga, kettlebells, fitness bands, physio ball, balance pods, and some exercises using battle ropes and medicine balls commonly seen in Cross-fit. There is often a cardio component to the exercises but not always. You may incorporate muscle lengthening and myofascia work into your training. It is a great complement to traditional strength training. Most importantly, Functional Fitness evaluates you WHERE YOU ARE and incorporates movements to get you where you want to be.

How Can I Benefit From Functional Fitness? 

Simply stated,  the human body is designed to bend, twist, reach and stretch; to be supple and strong; to move freely and function naturally. Working with a Functional Fitness Coach, you will experience exercises that more closely mimic the way the body ACTUALLY moves, incorporating multiple muscle groups in each exercise and you will increase your flexibility, balance, useable strength & endurance. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a senior citizen., Functional Fitness Training can help you improve your lifestyle & accelerate your progress. 

Q: I am a high school athlete. Can I benefit from this?

A: Absolutely! You can improve your speed, agility and flexibility as well as core strength necessary on the field and off. 

Q: I need  to firm up and lose some weight. Is this good for me?

A: Yes! This is an super-efficient way to torch calories and build strong supple muscles. 

Q: At 70 years old, I find my balance is suffering. My body feels achy and stiff in the morning. Can your program help me?

A: We should meet and go through an evaluation so that I can best decide hw to help you. I have worked with people in their 50's, 60's, 70's and in their 80's (post-stroke, post surgery, post-illness) to help get them back on track and live life more fully.  Please reach out and we will schedule a time to meet. 

Q: I have never worked out before. Will I be able to do the workouts?

A: Your lifestyle, ability and need as well as your flexibility and stamina are all part of my evaluation. I will create a workout for YOU, taking all factors into consideration.