Hey there, let's dive deep into the world of functional fitness – a term that's been making waves in the fitness realm. If you're a gym enthusiast, chances are you've encountered it. Now, I'm a big advocate for functional fitness, but what exactly does it entail, and how can it revolutionize your workout routine? Let's dissect it in a way that not only makes sense but also emphasizes the power of functional fitness.
So, when we chat about "function," we're essentially talking about how our bodies operate. In the gym, the focus is on boosting strength, right? I've delved into this concept in some of my previous discussions. The idea is to engage in exercises that elevate muscle strength, enabling them to function like well-oiled machines. Alternatively, we refine specific movements to enhance their functional efficiency.
Now, let's zoom in on two exercises that skeptics might dub as less aligned with functional fitness. Exhibit A: the barbell deadlift. There are various deadlift variations, but for now, let's zero in on this widely embraced form. Unless you've sworn off picking things up from the floor (which, let's be real, isn't practical), you're essentially engaging in low-key functional fitness every day – from mundane tasks to picking up your kids.
And let's not forget the orchestra of muscles at play during a deadlift in the realm of functional fitness:
Quads at the front of your legs extending the knee – a crucial aspect of functional fitness.
Glutes joining the party to extend the hip – yet another key element of functional fitness.
A squad of muscles – traps, lats, obliques, abs, TVA, spinal erectors, and quadratus lumborum – teaming up to keep your upper body steady, showcasing the multifaceted nature of functional fitness.
So, this so-called "non-functional" exercise is, in fact, a superhero for everyday movements, making them function better. It's like providing your muscles with a VIP pass to the pinnacle of functional fitness excellence.
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, deadlifts might not be the best example," although I've heard people dismiss them often. Let's pivot and chat about leg extensions as our second example within the functional fitness realm. It's all about bulking up those quads. Strengthening them means your leg movement functions like a precisely tuned instrument, perfectly encapsulating the essence of functional fitness.
Sure, flashy exercises like jump squats, box jumps, plyo lunges, Olympic lifts, and the wonders of CrossFit are stealing the functional fitness spotlight. They're dynamic and undeniably have their Place. But here's the scoop – neglecting a bunch of exercises just because they got slapped with the "non-functional" tag means missing out on the diverse benefits of functional fitness.
Incorporating a mix of exercises, even those that might seem less glamorous, is the functional fitness strategy your body craves. It not only reduces your risk of injury during intense workouts but also primes you for seamless moves in your everyday dynamic activities and sports adventures outside of the gym.
So, don't let the term "non-functional" intimidate you. Embrace the diversity in your workouts, and witness the transformative power of functional fitness taking center stage in your fitness journey!