Functional fitness conditioning exercises train the muscles for everyday activities safely and efficiently. It refers to exercises that simulate daily movements like standing, bending, reaching, jumping, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, turning, walking, and running. These exercises improve functional body strength to train the muscles to work together and prepare for daily tasks and chores that individuals do at home, at work, or in sports activities. Strengthening the muscles the same way they are needed for everyday tasks reduces the risk of injury, allowing individuals to go through the day without worrying about straining or pulling something.
Table of Contents
Functional fitness conditioning exercises can be done at home, park, or gym and is an excellent way to combat restlessness and keep the body moving. Training the muscles to work the way they do daily prepares the body to move optimally and efficiently in various situations. Functional fitness exercises simultaneously utilize upper and lower body muscles to increase core stability and train the whole body. Examples include:
Combining strength training with exercises that mirror the movements of daily life increase overall strength and improves:
Various gyms or fitness centers may offer functional fitness conditioning classes or incorporate functional fitness into their exercise courses. Exercise equipment can include:
Primarily using body weight makes this strength training simple and safe for almost anybody. Functional fitness conditioning is laidback, requiring less equipment and intensity. The objective is to develop and strengthen the entire body to handle daily life while minimizing the risk of injury, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
These include benefits for overall health and physical performance.
It is recommended to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and pregnant women should check with their doctors. A personal trainer, functional medicine, or sports chiropractor can discuss available conditioning options specific to the individual.
Fahlman, Mariane M et al. “Effects of resistance training on functional ability in elderly individuals.” American Journal of health promotion: AJHP vol. 25,4 (2011): 237-43. doi:10.4278/ajhp.081125-QUAN-292
Gerards, Marissa H G, et al. “Perturbation-based balance training to improve balance control and reduce falls in older adults – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” BMC geriatrics vol. 21,1 9. 6 Jan. 2021, doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01944-7
Pacheco, Matheus Maia, et al. “Functional vs. Strength training in adults: specific needs define the best intervention.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 8,1 (2013): 34-43.
Pullyblank, Kristin, et al. “Effects of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Intervention on Functional Fitness of Rural Women.” The Journal of rural health: official Journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association vol. 36,1 (2020): 104-110. doi:10.1111/jrh.12361
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Functional Fitness Conditioning: Sciatica Clinic" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
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Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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