What is functional fitness and why is it important?

Functional Health is a health approach in which exercise programs aim to maintain a persons ability to perform daily activities independently for as long as possible. 

Functional health programs integrate exercises that reflect the movements we need to use in daily activities, these are typically the movements we take for granted during our younger years, but which can become more challenging as we age. Functional health is especially important in midlife as it can assist in supporting a healthy active lifestyle in later years.

After age 40, we experience a 1% reduction in muscle mass per year, this results in a 3-5% loss of strength and power each year! So in my case, at age 55, I potentially have 15% less muscle mass than when I was 40, and 45-75% less strength and power! It’s no wonder some activities become harder.

A functional health program focuses on exercises that maintain functional capacity and the ability to perform daily activities independently as we age. It is not about aesthetic. If you want to be able to lift and carry your grandchildren, carry your groceries in later years, take an enjoyable walk in nature, place cabin luggage in the overhead locker and eventually in your 80’s stand up from a chair or toilet independently, you should take action by consistently completing regular strength training. Ideally start before the decline in your 40’s, but remember it’s never too late to start.

Strength training to optimise functioning and minimise the inevitable decline of muscle, strength and power is an essential strategy in healthy longevity. And of course, it can help us to continue to travel independently, play comfortably with grandchildren and importantly get off the toilet unassisted for as long as possible! I’ll be sharing more information about Functional Health in the future. In the meantime post a comment or question below if you’d like to know more – or get in touch.