Page 72 - LIN November 2022 Issue

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Health Fitness
PAULA ALLIA, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

FUNCTIONAL

FI TN ESS

unctional fitness is training your body to perform to the best of You might wonder why the explanations. Well, all of these param-
its ability for each day. This includes normal activities of daily eters contribute to the success of functional training. If, for example,
Fliving inclusive of the most basic activity to sporting activi- someone has strength deficits, neuromuscular re-education is neces-
ties and even to breathing itself. This functional training is vital and sary to kickstart a strength program. Exercises may be focused directly
should be incorporated into an exercise regime. on certain muscles and then as progress is made, functional move-
Many times, one does not know what they need to do if wanting to ment is added.
participate in an exercise program. The areas to be worked on include Functional movements include a recruitment of various muscles
but are not limited to: and joints to coordinate together and allow an activity to be performed.
• STRENGTH Look at an infant. They are born with no true functional movements.
• POWER As the brain develops and coordinates with the neuromuscular system,
they begin to move against gravity. This starts to strengthen the muscles.
• ENDURANCE When enough muscles start to strengthen, momentum can be used to
• BALANCE roll and as this develops further the infant can roll independently. These
• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH are examples of early developmental milestones.
STRENGTH varies per person. It is the capacity of a working muscle As the body ages better strength, power, and endurance with the
or muscles to withstand force. Stronger individuals can lift more pounds help of the nervous system continue to progress. Working on these
if weight lifting. There are specific ways to work on strength. The impor- parameters separately may be needed but combined movements are
tance of weight and repetitions matter. recommended to strengthen essential movement patterns. If not done,
movement impairments are likely; the body can fall short of goals.
POWER deals with work. It is how much work can be done in a given Injury may ensue because of missing links.
amount of time. Functional assessments may be recommended no matter what level
ENDURANCE is the ability to continue exertion or work for longer a person best functions. There is always room for improvement and
periods of time. If one does not have endurance, fatigue sets in and a specific training targets the individual needs to advance.
given activity cannot be sustained any longer. As we age, all of the above mentioned can falter unless sustained.
BALANCE is the ability to sustain a steady position. It can be when If decline due of lack of certain activities, finding the right methods to
stationary or moving. help regain your quality is key. If dysfunction or joint issues are now a
concern, working safely to advance can still be done with precaution.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH varies from person to person. It DO NOT WAIT until there is a decline or an area of concern. Take
is dependent upon the condition of the heart, the lungs, arteries and action to help yourself. After all, life is precious and should be filled
veins, and hormones that drive these systems. with quality.
When initiating an activity program, learning where each of these
categories start will help to provide a knowledgeable professional to For further information please call Paula at (239) 263-9348.
know where to begin. TO YOUR HEALTH!

Fitness Together: 335 14th Avenue South, Naples, FL I 239.263.9348 www.fitnesstogether.com/naples

72 Life in Naples November 2022