(Re)Defining Functional Fitness

What does the nebulous buzzword “functional fitness” mean?  It’s volleyed around in debates about what exercises have real-life application and what is completely frivolous.

Many fitness professionals assert that fitness functions to achieve  “results.” Sometime in the future, you could achieve weight loss, lower your blood pressure, or build strong muscles.

I propose reverse engineering instead. Start by asking, what do those results represent?  If you lost weight, would you feel hot? If your blood pressure decreased would you feel vibrant? If you got those rockin’ abs would you feel strong?

Personally, my practice builds my muscles while it breaks down my ego. Reaching into an expansive backbend makes me feel hotter than sitting in a salon chair. Swinging kettlebells summons my “bad-assery.” Dealing with my gimpy knee reminds me to be patient and compassionate. I relish flashes of creativity and clarity that fuel my teaching and writing. I finish feeling revived, realigned, and aware how much I can improve.

To figure out how and what to practice, start by asking why. If you are bored, broken, or burnt out, change your routine. Why wait for results when you can feel beautiful, whole, and powerful right now? Exercise the alchemy of the moment.