Functional Fitness:Three Simple But Important Exercises
Functional Fitness:Three Simple But Important Exercises
One of the unfortunate side effects of aging is a natural loss of muscle mass. Addressing this natural decline is an important part of creating a healthy and independent future. We often hear about benefits of strength training and cardiovascular exercise for older people. Another area of exercise and fitness that is becoming prominent within an aging population is functional fitness. In its simplest terms, this means the replication of everyday activities and movements. For example, stepping up and down on an exercise step mimics stepping up onto a curb or walking up a set of stairs.
Functional fitness stems from a critical component of training programs for sports athletes. Sprint drills for basketball players, footwork drills for football players and prolonged squats for skiers are a few examples.
Like athletes, adults should be provided opportunities to mimic everyday movements within their exercise routines. By training in this fashion you can address the specifics of how to live and function at maximum potential. The following are a list of functional exercises to include in your exercise program for optimum functioning.
Engage and inspire your inner athlete regardless of age and train to always function at your peak potential! Click on the following links for balance and seated strengthening exercises.