Fitness for Life

Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness is definitely a fitness industry 'buzzword' that likely came into existence as a way for a particular fitness routine/gym to differentiate its service from competitors. I would define functional fitness as a training regimen that builds fitness qualities specific to the tasks an individual performs. So with this definition, functional fitness is what any and everyone should be focused on. However, since all forms of fitness are, at the very least, building functional qualities, I find the term to be redundant and gimmicky. Functional fitness can be anything.

• Standing for long periods • Sitting in vehicles • Lifting & carrying heavy things • Jogging to retrieve an item for a principal • Sprinting to prevent an undesirable outcome • Explosive movements to stop a threat in a violent encounter