Functional Fitness

Carmen is 70 years old and never misses her workout. She has to coordinate her transportation every week since she doesn't have a car, and she's glad to do it for the "functional fitness" level she can attain. Carmen can carry her own groceries, walk to her mailbox with ease, climb a flight of stairs without getting winded, and pick up and play with her grandchildren. Carmen takes aqua aerobics two times a week and wouldn't miss the leg lifts, the biceps curls and the water walking. What Carmen really enjoys are the great people in her class and the positive "can do" attitude of the instructor. She sees her successes as she gets stronger and enjoys the challenge of finding her potential safely. This is "functional fitness," and it's worth the commitment to Carmen.

Frank has had lower back pain for years. There were many days when he could never find a comfortable position whether walking, standing or sitting down. His daughter gave him a massage gift certificate for his birthday, and he reluctantly went in for a massage; and he experienced some relief. With regular massage, yoga stretching and a few back-strengthening exercises, Frank can now manage his back pain. This is another example of "functional fitness."

What are some of the advantages of functional fitness? British researchers discovered that individuals who engage in aerobic exercise score significantly higher on creative thinking tests then non-exercisers.

A study of 172 health club members in Long Beach, California, revealed that new members joined clubs to improve their health and appearance, but long-term members stayed because exercise improved their mood. A study of 1,741 University alumni showed that middle age people with healthy lifestyle habits e.g. Functional Fitness, not only live longer, but are less sick and dependent on others when they get older; by the time they were 75 years old, the healthiest participants had half the disabilities of the least fit.

Functional fitness means not smoking, watching your weight, and exercising regularly. It also means taking care of your pain and strengthening weak muscle groups to maintain your pain-free health. It means moderation, consistency, supportive friends, and qualified leaders.

Find a facility that has programs for all ages, sizes and levels of intensity. Getting started is up to you. Staying up with it is up to you. Your health is up to you. So make it functional and fun.

By Susan Jansson, HealthSPORT (Arcata, California) susanj@humboldt1.com