Whether it's meeting professional demands or enjoying recreational sports, there are many situations where having strong and flexible muscle groups is essential for top-notch performance. Rest assured, by incorporating different functional fitness techniques, you can achieve your individual fitness goals.
Here at Fog City Fitness in San Francisco, our fitness trainers provide programs that are based on the latest scientific research, ensuring that you'll perform at your best both inside and outside the gym. Keep reading to discover more about functional fitness and how certain exercises mirror everyday tasks.
Balance
Balance plays an important role in our lives, however many of us struggle to find our center of gravity. If for example, you participate in an activity such as dance, surfing, or ice-skating, it is essential to strengthen your balance to improve these skills and learn more advanced movements. Balance is also paramount as we get older, as the risks associated with falling become far more detrimental than when we are younger and more resilient. Unfortunately, as we age, our balance naturally becomes worse due to various reasons such as stiffened joints, inner ear problems, and more.
One example of a functional exercise that can be used to improve one’s balance is single leg deadlifts. While holding a weight in one hand, the individual lifts their leg and tilts forward, therefore using the stagnant leg for support. Walking lunges are another useful exercise which enables individuals to practice balance while in motion. Similarly, this exercise can be done with weights in each hand, or without any added resistance.
Injury prevention
If you've ever experienced a muscle strain from something as simple as bending down to pick up an object, you already grasp the significance of functional training in preventing injuries. As we age, the value of exercise that enhances balance and injury prevention becomes even more pronounced.
A prime example of a compound exercise often employed for injury prevention is the deadlift. By learning how to execute this intricate movement under the guidance of a qualified trainer, you can progressively develop the ability to lift significant weights safely. Deadlifts strengthen your back, legs, and glutes, boosting your power and enabling you to lift objects without jeopardizing your well-being. This exercise is just one of many movements that can help you steer clear of sports-related injuries and common mishaps in daily life.
Posture
Good posture is essential in your everyday life for a variety of reasons. By maintaining proper posture, you reduce the strain on your muscles, joints, and ligaments, which can significantly decrease the risk of chronic pain in areas like the neck, back, and shoulders. Additionally, it allows your organs to function efficiently since slouching or hunching can compress them, potentially affecting digestion and circulation.
One highly effective exercise for enhancing your posture is the seated row. This exercise is done by sitting upright and pulling a weight attached to a cable towards your chest, creating a full stretch in your chest muscles, and encouraging you to sit tall with perfect posture. This movement is excellent for preventing stiffness in the upper body and strengthening the muscles in your back, all of which play an important role in supporting your spine. Furthermore, exercises that target the core, such as crunches or planks, are a great option for building strength in the muscles that surround the spine. These muscles are essential for maintaining comfortable and proper posture in your daily life.
Ultimately, many of the exercises we perform in the gym can be used to enhance our overall quality of life. Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our experienced San Francisco fitness trainers.
