How is your mobility? Would you like for it to be better so you can more easily move about and do things you’d like to do? Can you get down on the floor and back up easily? If not, this article is for you! Do not despair and don’t give up. You can improve! But it will take effort and consistency. The old saying “use it or lose it” is 100% true. Our bodies are inherently lazy and we tend to lose fitness at a much greater rate than we gain it.
As discouraging as that is, let it be motivation to not let your fitness level decline. Maintaining fitness is easier than gaining from a deconditioned state but even if you are in the latter category, you have the power to change it.
I’m going to give you ten exercises you can do at home with body weight and/or small hand weights. First, let’s talk more about why it’s a good idea to implement a functional fitness exercise routine.
Let’s face it, we all have some physically demanding tasks in our lives and functional fitness will make those tasks easier and improve your range of motion. You’ll generally move better too and have less joint, back and muscle pain while also building strength.
Balance tends to decrease as we age and a functional fitness program will help you enhance your balance. The brain forms new neural pathways as we work on balance. I am a living example of this! Ask me and I’ll give you more detail. Not only will your balance improve but your coordination will also improve which results in a decreased risk of falling and injury. As you build strength, you’ll increase endurance and tone your body. This means you’ll have more energy and look better too! All of this leads to greater self-confidence and independence. What’s not to like about it?
First things first. Please talk to your doctor and get approval to begin this program. When you have approval to begin you may also work with me as your private trainer, coach and accountability partner. It’s my privilege to help others be the best version of themselves!
Functional Fitness Program:
- Squats
- Reverse Lunge
- Pushups
- Plank
- Bentover Row
- Bridge
- Bicep Curls
- Single Leg Deadlift
- Russian Twist
- Overhead Press
Please note, sets, reps and frequency are not included here because those are very specific to the individual. I recommend doing these exercises as a circuit without rest, but a short rest period between circuits. I would be happy to work with you personally to explain in more detail and determine your beginning point and beyond. I also have videos for each movement. Please book a free 30-minute consultation on the home page of my website and we can discuss your goals.
Let’s get and stay functionally fit to live our best lives! There’s no better time than today!