Functional Fitness Keeps Retirees Healthy and Fit

Functional fitness is a type of training that prepares the body for real-life movements and activities, rather than something specific like a big race or a lifting competition. Also known as functional training, it trains your muscles to make daily tasks easier by simulating movements that you might do at home or at work. This could be anything from squatting down to pick up something off the floor, to turning and reaching for that item on a high shelf, or even getting up from a seated position.

Not only does functional fitness improve the quality of your life (if you can’t pull on a pair of jeans without throwing out your back, are you really living?), but you will also notice a change in your overall strength and stability. In turn, this creates a balance among your muscles and decreases your chance of injury.

Functional training may seem like a new concept in the fitness community, but it’s actually one of the oldest and most common types of training. Functional training got its beginnings in the physical rehabilitation field and was created by physical therapists to improve patient recovery after injury or disability. Specific exercises were developed to help patients regain function and return to activities of daily living. From the start, functional training has been embraced by fitness professionals and morphed into predominantly weight-bearing exercises that simulate everyday movements and target core strength.

Anyone can benefit from functional fitness, but it is particularly beneficial to retirees. Daily tasks that most of us take for granted can become challenging as we age. Effective functional training ensures that retirees can continue to perform their daily activities safely and confidently so they are free to enjoy life without the worry of injury.

Oakridge Wellness Center at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club recently completed an exciting renovation including an 1,800 square foot space called “The Green” dedicated exclusively to functional training. Our professional training staff’s philosophy is to implement functional exercise techniques into every workout. It is our mission to ensure quality of life for all members of the Club.

Want to experience our amazing community and club amenities? Schedule a Discovery Visit today. We can’t wait to meet you!