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Are You Functionally Fit?
Do you grimace at the thought of bending down to pick up a bucket of paint and then lifting it to a high shelf? Does your lower back punish you after a day of yard work? How about your golf swing—could it use a little more power behind your stroke? If are your head is nodding yes then functional training may be just what you need to improve the quality of your daily life.
What is functional training? Functional training uses exercises that utilize multiple muscles and joints simultaneously in a way that mimics everyday movements. These exercises follow three main movements—rotational, front-to-back and side-to-side—to involve large groups of muscles and to develop strength and coordination.
These are skills that can be applied to real everyday life.
Most of your daily activities involve complex movements rather than fixed movements. This simply means that when you are holding a squirming child, reaching for a book on the top shelf or helping your friend move his couch, your body is recruiting many muscles to work in a coordinated effort. Functional training seeks to condition your body to function with more agility and power while you execute these activities.
What are the benefits of functional training?
Functional training puts emphasis on your core stabilizers—your abdominal and lower back—which helps improve both your balance and ability to transfer power from lower body to upper body. In practical terms this means that lifting heavy items or maneuvering uneven terrain becomes easier, and at the same time you become less vulnerable for injury. Suddenly that paint bucket isn’t so intimidating.
For all you weekend warriors, functional training can also improve your game! The key is to perform exercises that put your body through the movement of your sport while placing your muscles under resistance. This is a great way to maximize the power and speed of your athletic performance.
The key to your fitness success is consistency.
Whether or not functional training makes its way into your exercise regimen, the key is that you are moving your body, burning calories, strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility. When you consistently make an effort to live a more active lifestyle your fitness and weight loss goals will come within your reach.
Want more information on how functional training can improve the quality of your life? Did you know that the solution to your fitness goal is right before your eyes? Contact Team LP Fitness to learn how functional training can put a spring into your step!
Click on the following link from MSNBC regarding the 'buzz' on Functional Fitness. Those of you who train at our Studio or who attend "CHIZZLED" classes at Fusion Fitness will appreciate this article. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17365528/
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Repeat after me: I will never ever skip breakfast! If your mom told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day—guess what? She was right! Breakfast literally ‘breaks’ the ‘fast’ that your body goes into while you sleep at night. This jump starts your metabolism and gets your body primed and ready to burn calories all day long.
Raspberry Chicken Salad
This chicken salad really packs a punch. The dressing is a bit tangy, and the tender chicken slices have a fruity flavor. All in all this meal is a winner for lunch or dinner. Best of all it is ready in a snap. Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100%raspberry spreadable fruit
- 1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 ounces each)
- 8 cups torn mixed salad greens
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 24 fresh raspberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine spreadable fruit and vinegar; set aside 3/4 cup for dressing.
- Broil chicken 4 in. from heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until juices run clear, basting occasionally with remaining raspberry mixture. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, arrange greens and onion on salad plates. Slice chicken; place over greens. Drizzle with reserve dressing. Garnish with raspberries.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving (2 cups greens with 1 chicken breast half and 3 tablespoons dressing) equals 320 calories, 3g fat, 48g carbohydrate, and 25g protein.
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