phyllis
Welcome the Change (saying this out loud so we both hear it).
When I started my journey as a fitness coach, I quickly realized that getting people to adopt a fitness routine required more than just offering workouts. It was about helping them see the tangible, everyday benefits of moving their bodies. This realization led me to embrace and promote Functional Fitness—a sustainable approach that integrates movement into daily life.
Evolving Activities of Daily Living to Functional Fitness
I’m a joiner by nature. Invite me to a new fitness class with a crowd, and I’m there. I thrive on the energy of group workouts and the sense of community. However, I quickly learned that not everyone shares this enthusiasm. For many, the idea of structured exercise is daunting or simply unappealing. I needed a way to make fitness accessible and relevant to their daily lives.
By focusing on Functional Fitness, we’re preparing your body to handle whatever life throws your way, making fitness more accessible and inclusive for everyone. No matter your body type or fitness level, you can benefit from this practical, everyday approach to staying active.
Why Functional Fitness Works
Functional Fitness focuses on movements you use every day. It’s not about spending hours in the gym but about making the most of your daily activities. By integrating these simple exercises into your routine, you build strength, flexibility, and balance without even thinking about it.
I understand that not everyone has access to a gym, a club, or a support system that allows them time to exercise. This realization led me to embrace Functional Fitness. Functional Fitness is all about training your body for the activities you perform every day. Instead of isolating muscle groups, it focuses on movements that mimic real-life actions. This approach not only makes fitness more practical but also more sustainable.
The best part? You already have all the equipment you need: It’s YOU!
Think about the way you move throughout your day—lifting groceries, climbing stairs, playing with your kids. Functional Fitness helps you perform these activities with more ease and less risk of injury. Here are a few simple examples:
- Squats: Mimic sitting down and standing up from a chair.
- Push-ups: Perfect for building upper body strength and can be done anywhere.
- Lunges: Great for improving balance and mimicking movements like picking something up from the floor.
These exercises don’t require any special equipment or a gym membership. They just require you, a bit of space, and a commitment to making your daily activities a bit more intentional and strength-building.
Everyday Benefits of Functional Fitness
- Increased Energy: Regular movement keeps your energy levels up and combats fatigue.
- Improved Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and boosting happiness.
- Enhanced Mobility: Daily stretches and movements improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Better Balance: Functional exercises improve coordination and prevent falls.
- Greater Strength: Consistent movement builds muscle strength, making everyday tasks easier.
Supporting Your Fitness Journey
This lifestyle supports any fitness or training plan you might be on. It also reassures me that on days when I can’t make a class work or when my body isn’t cooperating, I’m still moving every day. Think of it as the oil can to your achy joints.
We often don’t give ourselves enough credit for how amazing our muscles, bones, and bodies are. Fitness isn’t about having a rack of medals or a 24-inch waist. It’s about growing old with the ability to take care of yourself. I want to have the balance to stand on a small stool, the strength to bend over and get a pot out of the cabinet, to carry my grocery bags into the house, and when it’s travel time, to put my carry-on in the overhead bin.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to run a marathon; it’s to maintain our ability to move freely and enjoy life to the fullest. So let’s embrace every step, every squat, and every push-up as part of a larger journey towards lasting health and well-being.
You’re already on your way to a healthier, more active life. Let’s keep moving together, one day at a time.
Let’s stay in touch, you can find me on instagram or by signing up for my newsletter. I am planning some really cool things this Fall!
Cheerfully yours,
Coach Phyllis
