Functional exercises are all about improving your quality of life and reducing your risk of injury. Here are five simple ways you can incorporate them into your daily workout routine
Functional exercises improve overall functional strength. Taking the time to do these exercises can help build strength in muscle groups and joints that are needed to perform everyday activities, such as walking and lifting heavy objects. This approach to fitness includes exercises like pulling, lunging, squatting, and pushing. Ultimately, consistently performing these exercises help boost your quality of life, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your balance, endurance, and mobility.
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Elite athletes also perform functional exercises to improve their skills by training in ways that are specific to their sport. That being said, functional exercises are doable for beginners and older adults. Listed below are some workout routines published by trainers that, while helpful as a whole, include key elements that target your functional strength.
Step-ups
This exercise is good for cardio, improving balance and coordination, and strengthening your lower-body muscles. You can also have fun with this workout, as demonstrated in this TikTok.
Rowing
This whole-body exercise is particularly great for strengthening your back and arms, which will ultimately help with your ability to lift heavy objects.
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Squats
Squats aren’t just effective for building up your glutes, but these exercises are helpful for general strength as well, particularly for your back, legs, hips, and ankles. Squats can also improve core strength and stability.
Weighted lying leg raises
Weighted leg raises are effective for both strengthening your lower body and core, particularly your abdominal muscles. Lifts work your core for better stabilization and balance, which leads to better overall control of your body
Walking lunges
Walking lunges strengthen and improve the mobility of your quadriceps, hips, and knee joints, which can be crucial for performing daily activities.
