As we age, maintaining a balance between strength and flexibility becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. Functional movement is a concept I love because it is so doable and it bridges the gap between these two physical attributes, helping us move with greater ease and resilience. But what exactly is functional movement, and why should it be a cornerstone of your wellness routine?
What Is Functional Movement?
Functional movement refers to exercises and activities that mimic the natural movements of daily life. Think squatting, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting and walking. These movements are essential for navigating the world around us — whether that means getting out of a chair, lifting your suitcase into the overhead bin, carrying groceries or playing with small children.
Unlike traditional gym routines that often isolate specific muscle groups, functional movement focuses on improving the way your entire body works as a unit. It integrates strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, preparing you for real-world activities rather than just building muscle for the sake of aesthetics. Plus, you don’t even have to go to a gym — I do squats in my bathroom or while folding laundry!
Why Functional Movement Matters as We Age
1. Improves Balance and Prevents Falls
Functional movement training strengthens stabilizing muscles and enhances proprioception (your sense of body position), reducing the risk of falls. Movements like single-leg balances and overhead presses mimic scenarios where balance is critical, such as stepping off a curb or navigating uneven terrain like a gravel path or icy walkway, or lifting your suitcase into the overhead bin (who else plans to travel until they die???).
2. Promotes Joint Health
Functional exercises often involve full-range, multi-directional movements that keep joints lubricated and promote mobility. Movements like deep squats and forward bends help prevent stiffness and maintain the ability to move freely.
3. Builds Strength for Everyday Tasks
Carrying groceries, lifting laundry baskets or playing with children requires strength, especially in your core, legs and arms. Functional strength training builds the muscles you need for these tasks, reducing strain and injury risk. I mean, can you easily get up and down from sitting on the floor or is it an ordeal?
4. Enhances Flexibility
Functional movement incorporates dynamic stretching and active flexibility exercises, ensuring your body can adapt to different demands. For example, spinal twists and lunges improve the range of motion in your spine and hips.
5. Supports Longevity and Independence
By keeping your body strong and flexible, you’ll be better equipped to handle everyday activities and live a more vibrant, active life. Functional movement empowers you to maintain independence and age with confidence. And maybe most importantly, the higher percentage of muscle you maintain, the longer your health span will statistically be. So stay nimble but also stay strong!
Examples of Functional Movement Exercises
Here are six beginner-friendly functional exercises you can try today:
1. Squats
Benefits: Strengthens legs and core and improves hip mobility.
Watch the how-to video here: How To Do Perfect SQUAT | FITNESS SPECIAL | SQUATS For Beginners | WORKOUT VIDEO
2. Lunges
Benefits: Improves balance, coordination and leg strength.
Step-by-step guide with variations
3. Push-Ups
Benefits: Strengthens chest, shoulders, triceps and core.
Learn proper form: The Perfect Push Up | Do it right!
4. Planks
Benefits: Builds core strength and stability for overall movement.
5. Spinal Twists
Benefits: Improves core strength and rotational mobility.
Try these seated or standing options
How to Incorporate Functional Movement Into Your Routine
- Daily (or at least weekly!) Micro-Sessions: Spend 5-10 minutes practicing squats, lunges or planks.
- Join a Class: Yoga, Pilates or functional fitness classes often emphasize these movements.
- Add Variety: Use resistance bands or light weights, water jugs, or be intentional when you are already doing the work of carrying groceries — use your core and pay attention to your posture and joints!
- Work with a Trainer: A personal trainer can design a program tailored to your needs and goals – even for just a season to help you build more mind/body connection around your alignment, muscle groups and joints.
Aging doesn’t have to mean losing mobility, strength or independence — have you seen some of the badass women in their 80s on Instagram surfing or winning weight lifting competitions??
IG Accounts Worth Checking Out:
- @fit_momof7 My 91-year-old mom keeps up with her fitness routine, a journey she began at the age of 65 and has passionately continued since🙌
- @hergardengym I help women in their 50s & 60s get strong, fit & healthy, to enjoy optimal ageing.
- @shepherdernestine I am 89 years of age. The world’s oldest living female competitive bodybuilder.
- @trainwithjoan Showing you that it’s never too late to become your strongest self!
Functional movement empowers you to maintain a balance between strength and flexibility, helping you move with confidence and ease through every stage of life. By prioritizing these exercises in your fitness routine, you’re investing in your physical health and enhancing your overall quality of life! Life is so more enjoyable when you feel strong physically — it really also translates into feeling strong mentally too.
Start small, stay consistent and remember that even simple movements can have a profound impact. Your future self will thank you.
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