Everybody has a unique motivation for wanting to get in shape, but generally speaking, people want to feel healthy, look great, and develop more confidence in their daily lives. That’s why fitness is a massive (and constantly growing) global industry.
But because of the sheer size of the fitness industry – and because so many people have yet to find a program that works for them – there is a lot of frustration out there. It seems like we come across a “revolutionary” new fitness program every day, whether we’re watching an infomercial or talking to a friend. Some of these offerings make very slick and convincing arguments, while others are obviously bogus.
Either way, a lot of people find themselves right back where they started: Heading to the gym for a convention workout. Everybody has their favorite routine. Some people focus entirely on weight machines, while others prefer free weights, cycling, rowing, and/or a long run on the treadmill.
But there’s a common thread that runs through a lot of different gym workouts: People aren’t getting the results they wanted. Even with a diligent and committed schedule, those conventional gym workouts often fail to deliver where it counts. This leads people to question their methods and delve deeper into the often-confusing world of physical fitness.
The question is, why are so many people disappointed by conventional routines at the gym? Why does this type of exercise regime so often fail to meet expectations? For anybody interested in their own fitness, and the fitness of others, these are questions worth asking.
In recent years, more and more people have found an answer – or at least an answer that works for them. That answer is best described as functional fitness.
What is functional fitness, and how does it differ from conventional gym routines?
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Functional fitness exercises 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, functional fitness exercises also emphasize core stability.
There we have it: A simple definition from a source that everyone knows and trusts. In a nutshell, functional fitness is just that: Functional. Your ordinary gym routine isolates specific muscle groups for long periods of time. It consists of repetitive motions that are never mimicked in daily life. This is particularly true for specialty exercise machines. If you’re trying to be a body builder who shows off specific muscle groups in competition, these exercises are a worthy cause. But for the rest of us who want to feel more balanced and coordinated in the world – in addition to looking toned and ripped – functional fitness provides the answer. But making use of simple, functional exercises that force the body’s muscle groups to work together, overall strength is increased – in addition to balance and coordination. You’ll feel the results in all of your daily activities, whether you’re working out or moving around the kitchen to prepare a meal. That’s the beauty of functional fitness: it’s a much more natural approach to working out.
Giving functional fitness a try – preferably under the supervision of a qualified coach – is the best way to test its benefits for yourself! Greg Jones, owner of Monkey Bar Gym from Bellevue Washington, would be happy to help you!