Introduction
Definition of Functional Fitness
Goals
Important elements of Functional Fitness
Fitness for elderly people
Aerobic Exercises
Gym or fitness Centers
benefits of Fitness
2. INTRODUCTION
Functional fitness has been a buzz term in the
fitness industry for a number of years and it
seems that few people, or trainers for that matter,
actually understand what functional fitness really
is. For some reason, when people hear the term
functional fitness they instantly start to conjure
images of people performing a ridiculous
balancing act on a fit ball. Firstly to understand
functional fitness, we must define it.
It just means that all the fitness and health
activities we are doing mean nothing if they dont
improve our fitness, give us healthier, happier
lifestyles and help us be disease free and live
longer; it all needs to be functional or relevant to
our lifes. Functional Fitness is our best
weapon to combat aches, pains, and injuries.
This topic was created to be your guide to the
concepts of Functional Fitness.
3. Definition of functional fitness
My definition of functional fitness is to perform
tasks in training that replicate the movements
found in life.
Functional Fitness means that you can perform
the movements and tasks necessary in life.
For example you can, at any age, pick up your
children and eventually your grandchildren
without moaning and groaning. It also means that
you can run along side of your six year old as she
learns to ride her bicycle without her training
wheels.
“Functional fitness means anything that helps
with what we call ADL—activities of daily living,”
says Cindy Bailey.
“Functional exercise” involves multiple planes
and multiple joints.
4. Functional fitnessmeansanything thathelpswith
daily living.
''It's training for life, not events,'' saidJarrod Jordan
Functional Fitness is similar in that you exercise
in a way to mimic real life situations so that your
body—and your mind—are prepared to work
naturally when you need it.
The term functional as related to fitness can
be a vague term, open to interpretation. For
example, if you are an ultra marathon runner, the
simple act of running is an extremely functional
method to train. Or, if you are entering a body
building competition, isolating muscles with
machines and benches may be a functional way to
prepare for your sport.
5. However, I am attempting to define Functional
Fitness as a specific concept, referring to
balanced, total-body, overall fitness programs—
hence the capital letters in Functional Fitness. In
order to define the specific term of Functional
Fitness, I have determined there are four
dimensions.
6. GOALS
The goal of functional fitness is to develop greater
strength, balance, coordination and endurance
through exercises that mimic everyday activities.
It means exercises that train different muscle
groups to work together safely and efficiently.
For example, if your job requires you to stock
shelves throughout the day, all that lifting can
strain your body.
Other examples of functional fitness are
squatting and lifting
Functional fitness developed as an aid to
rehabilitation for patients recovering from an
injury or surgery.
7. Important Elementsof Functional Fitness
Fitness should follow combat function.
A Functional Fitness Program must be balanced in
approach so that the athlete develops , strength,
flexibility,speed, endurance , and coordination.
A Functional Fitness Program must have intensity and
great variety. It is characteristically general and
balanced. The intensity leads to positive physical
adaptation and the variety keeps the stimulus fresh
and helps avoid over-training related injuries.
A Functional Fitness Program must be scalable,
allowing for the range of fitness levels of various
persons.
The Functional Fitness Program, in sense, focuses on
“prehabilitation” rather than waiting for an injury to
actually occur and thereby having to resort to
rehabilitation.
Functional Fitness Program must have an educational
aspect in which athletes are taught efficient
biomechanics for functional movements like running,
lifting, jumping etc.
8. Fitness For The Elderly People
Fitness and exercises for the elderly people
can help in number of ways. Benefits not only
include weight maintenance and weight loss as
with any age group, elders can also enjoy a
healthy life and minor risks of disease, plus
maintain diseases’ symptoms to a comfortable
level.
As people become older, their bodies turn
into weaker. It becomes difficult to do everyday
work and many people just give up.
The truth is fitness for the elderly people will
make stronger muscles so that body movements
are easier. It also aids with joint discomfort and
flexibility.
Elderly fitness that implies aerobics will aid
elders loses weight by bringing up the heart rate
to burn extra calories. Also, exercise aids with
blood circulation and is rather beneficial for the
heart.
9. Fitness For ElderlyPeople
Fitness for elderly people does not have to be
complicated or hard. There are numerous gentle
elderly fitness programs available. They vary
from water aerobics which is useful to those with
muscle aches or joints, to yoga which aids
elongate and relax muscles.
There are no jumps or tough moves when it
comes to fitness for elders. Comfort and Safety is
always a main factor. Even though it varies
among various types of elderly fitness regimes,
fitness for the elderly people is generally easier.
10. As well, fitness for elders can aid relieve
symptoms of joint pains and arthritis, especially
water aerobics, stretches and yoga. Definite
exercises are also thought to aid with symptoms
of diabetes and some other diseases.
Combined with a good nutrition and vitamin
supplements, a good life lies ahead for elders who
exercise and take good concern of their bodies.
Yet movement as little as short walks can be very
helpful.
11. Aerobic ExercisesFor FitnessOf Elderly People
There is a huge variety of elderly exercises to
do. The best ones for enhancing the heart rate are
aerobic exercises, and the elder people can do
sittings with a set of constant and simple
movements.
If you want to keep your weight or lose some
weight, aerobics is the best way to go. You will
also contain the added benefits of enhancing
strength of muscles, flexibility, circulation and
mobility.
There are certain exercises you can do to
target any trouble areas you may have.
12. Movement of any type is the key, and it has to be
usual for benefits to be attained.
Elderly exercise is the only actual way to
improve or prolong on aging problems and you
will shortly see improvements in your moods,
balance, muscle tone and all round capability.
Gym Or FitnessCenterFor Elderly People
For an elderly exercise regimes your best
choice is to visit a fitness center or gym in your
area. There are DVD's and videos that are made
for you to exercise in your own home, but make
assure they clearly state that they are for elders.
13. If you are a novice to an exercise routine you
must see your doctor before you initiate for a
health check. In most of the cases doctors will be
very happy to hear you are interested in take care
of your health and they will be probable to advise
you to begin straight away!
BenefitsOf FitnessIn Elderly People
The benefits of fitness in elderly people are
far and wide.
To get initiated right away, visit your doctor
to see what fitness programs he suggests. Always
take precaution and take notice of the
instructions of the doctor.
