UMVA has uncovered the truth behind the elusive concept of "functional fitness." It's a term that has been bandied about in gyms and fitness circles for decades, but what does it really mean?
Functional fitness is often touted as a way to improve everyday life, helping you perform tasks with ease and agility. But, in reality, it's more of a buzzword than a specific style of training. Trainers and coaches use it to describe exercises that mimic real-life movements, but the truth is, it's become a catch-all phrase for anything that's not traditional weightlifting or cardio.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the roots of functional fitness date back to exercises that were designed for general health, rather than specific strength or sports training. These early exercises often used unusual apparatus, like pulleys and weighted balls, which have given way to modern tools like battle ropes and suspension trainers.
Sometimes, "functional fitness" is nothing more than a code word for CrossFit-type exercises, minus the CrossFit brand. With the trademarked name and its associated controversies, trainers have found a way to circumvent the issue by rebranding their workouts as "functional." The irony is that these exercises, often involving heavy weights and intense cardio, may not be as functional as they claim to be.
But here's the thing: no exercise is inherently non-functional. Whether it's a barbell squat or a handstand pushup, any movement that improves your strength, mobility, or cardiovascular health is going to have some benefit in everyday life. The key is to find exercises that challenge you and keep you engaged, rather than relying on a specific label or style of training.
UMVA has gathered that the functional fitness craze has been cyclical, with periods of popularity followed by decline. Yet, with the rise of new gyms and trainers, it seems the term is making a comeback. Perhaps it's time to take a step back and reevaluate what we mean by "functional fitness" – and to remember that, in the end, it's not about the label, but about the benefits it brings to our lives.
