Functional Fitness

What is Functional Fitness Training?

The short answer: Training for real life!

According to Paul Chek, functional training must incorporate the following attributes:

It must support life by not detracting from vitality. The exerciser must “train not drain”.

Functional exercise is a means to an end. Being able to squat, push, pull, lunge and twist is necessary if you are to live an unlimited life. The exercise movements must be specific to your sport, work, and daily life duties.

Every exercise must have a physiological reason for its selection. It must take you toward the fulfilment of your desired goal, not detract from it.

The exercise selection must enhance one’s mental, emotional and spiritual aspect. They must not be detrimental to the individual in order that aesthetics prevail.

Let’s be clear, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good in a swimsuit at the beach. In our opinion, the problem is when training for aesthetics is undertaken at all costs to your overall health. To look good and to feel terrible is no way to live. We have proven with hundreds of clients, that it is possible to look AND feel fantastic.

You may know people who workout at the gym on a regular basis, but then “throw-out” their back while doing something mundane, like raking leaves. This is usually an indication that although they may be building some strength from their workouts, it isn’t carrying over to their daily lives. That is why we advocate the use of functional exercise programs, to better prepare you for the demands of your real life, enabling you to do whatever it is that fulfills you.