Have you ever heard of functional fitness? This type of fitness routine involves performing exercises that correspond to all the movements you make throughout your day, such as squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and bending.
Say that you must lift a heavy box that’s sitting in your driveway and carry it to your garage. You know you can do it, but in the back of your mind, you can’t help but worry that you may slip a disk or strain a muscle in your back. Functional fitness strengthens the muscles needed for you to safely lift and carry the box, which can decrease your risk of injury. In other words, functional fitness better prepares your body to complete everyday tasks at home, at work, and elsewhere.
You can take advantage of what you’re already doing workout-wise by adding some functional fitness exercises to your Daily Fitness Routine.
Some functional fitness exercises you can do while performing daily tasks include:
Squat: This movement will ensure that you can lift that box and even go from sitting to standing without issue. To perform a squat safely, stand with your feet apart, bend your knees, and, using your abdominals, lower yourself toward the ground as if you’re preparing to sit in a chair. Once you’ve “sat” in that chair, extend your legs and slowly return to a standing position. Repeat.
Plank: It looks easy, but it’s not! The plank position requires you to engage your core and dozens of muscles to keep your body lifted off the ground using only your palms and toes. The plank position involves holding your body in what is essentially a straight line for as long as you can. It strengthens your core tremendously, and can even improve your posture.
Step-Downs: Moving from one level surface to another requires strength, balance, and coordination. To perform a set of step-downs, find a small, stable stool that you can step on and off. Alternate between right and left legs. This exercise mimics the movements you make when you go up and down stairs, and it works well to stabilize your knees.
We know you’re striving to stay fit and active, so consider adding functional fitness to your routine, especially because these and other functional fitness exercises can be done in the convenience of your home. Weeding in the garden? Take a break and do some squats. Getting ready to take a shower? Perform a few planks beforehand. Going on a walk with your dog? Do a set of step-downs before you go and/or after you get back. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easy when you realize how accessible exercise especially functional fitness—can be!
If you’re interested in purchasing more Kewlioo products to complement your fitness routine, we have an incredible selection from which to choose, including shapewear, waist trainers, and even creams and lotions. Plus, our extensive saunawear collection helps you produce lots of sweat so you can get the most impressive results.
Kudos to you for all the work you’re doing and all the effort you’re putting into living your best life.