What is Functional Fitness?

What is functional fitness?

Functional Fitness has been a buzz word for a number of years. Functional fitness exercises train your muscles in preparation for active daily living movements, simulating the common movements required for your everyday living.

Think anything from squatting down to pick up something off the floor, to turning and reaching for a glass on a high shelf; grandparents keeping up with a toddler; sedentary parents wanting to hike with their families on the weekends; or seniors wanting to live independently.

Functional Fitness at the Chilliwack YMCA

So, what does functional fitness mean to us at the Y? Our goal is to help the Chilliwack community live a healthier lifestyle—one person at a time.

We know that this community is made up of people of all ages and levels of fitness and mobility. We also know that our active daily living movements change as our lifestyle changes and, therefore, so do our needs for functional exercises.

The exercise program one adopted as a young adult on the basketball court will not be the same program required by a new parent or aging senior. At the Y, we have you covered as we focus on functional fitness for all ages and stages of life.

In addition to a vast selection of strength equipment, we have intentionally selected ten various types of cardiovascular machines to ensure everyone has the ability to meet their exercise goals—regardless of age, fitness level or mobility. YMCA group exercise classes, led by certified fitness instructors, have been carefully planned in order to serve the needs of all.

Not all squats and chest presses are equal. Matching an exercise program to your current ability, as well as movement needs, are crucial for success and injury prevention.

Balance training that may be a functional exercise for one person could put another at risk for falls. A particular push-pull exercise practiced by an athlete could end up resulting in an injury when copied by someone new to exercise.

Our fitness staff and personal trainers will take the time to find out your goals and guide you through the fitness schedule. They are also happy to consult on an exercise program in order to help you get the most out of it.

If you are interested in helping our community in their fitness journey, consider joining our team of certified fitness volunteers or personal training staff. Please visit our careers page to view current job openings.