Many people like to work out to feel stronger and healthier in everyday life. While some exercises might be more suited for muscle growth, others are great for building functional, full-body strength. While functional training might not sound as exciting initially, it allows you to train and target muscles you use regularly, so you can feel stronger during daily activities. So, try these three functional training exercises the next time you’re at one of your favorite gyms in Napa, Bakersfield, or wherever you are in California.
Kettlebell Swing
When it comes to functional training exercises, it’s hard to beat the kettlebell swing. For one, it works virtually every major muscle group, from your quads, glutes, and calves to your back, abs, arms, shoulders, and chest. The exercise is straightforward—you hold the handle of the kettlebell with both hands, allow it to swing between your legs, and vigorously swing it up. Make sure to keep your core tight and back straight through the entire movement.
Squats
The squat is a time-tested exercise that’s been used for years to tone and strengthen the lower back and glutes, legs, and core. The basic squat involves, well, squatting—it begins standing with feet shoulder-width apart, bending your knees until they reach at least a 90-degree angle, and then standing up, straightening your legs. Squats are also a versatile exercise to try when you’re in a well-equipped Salinas or Tracy gym because you can perform them in a variety of ways. Try bodyweight squats, or you can try the classic barbell squat or use dumbbells—whatever you’re comfortable with!
Lunges
Like squats, lunges are a tried-and-true, versatile, and powerful training exercise for the lower body that can deliver swift and striking functional gains. For a lunge, you stand with one leg in front of the other and drop down onto your back knee. After a rep with one leg, repeat the same move on the other side. You can try different variations to best match your needs and current fitness level, including:
• Stationary Lunge – The traditional lunge described above.
• Walking Lunge – Walking lunges are performed the same as stationary lunges but while moving forward. Walking lunges dynamically engage core muscles while improving balance. People commonly upgrade this lunge by holding a dumbbell in each hand.
• Side Lunge – Like a stationary lunge but, appropriately, involves lunging from side-to-side rather than in front of the body. Side lunges target additional muscle groups in the inner and outer thigh.
• Reverse Lunge – A reverse lunge is performed by standing with your feet together, stepping backward with one leg, and dropping onto your knee with the back leg. The reverse lunge effectively engages the glutes, hamstrings, and core while putting less strain on the knees and hips.
• Twist Lunge – This variation is a stationary lunge with a twist—literally. After dropping into the lunge, you (safely) twist the upper half of your body, alternating the direction of the twist with each lunge. In addition to a deeper engagement of the glutes and core, twist lunges also target feet and ankle muscles.
These are just a few of the best functional training exercises, but there are plenty more to try. With an emphasis on functional training, you will start to notice benefits both inside and outside of the gym. Grab a kettlebell or a pair of dumbbells, or just use your body weight and give these a try!
About In-Shape Health Clubs
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and In-Shape Health Clubs will help you prioritize fitness and focus on healthier living. The health club, with locations throughout California, offers amenities for all fitness enthusiasts, whether they’re new to working out or never miss a step in a studio fitness class. In-Shape offers a variety of state-of-the-art amenities at all its locations, including a cardio area, weight room, studio fitness classes, pickleball courts, and much more. Select locations even have outdoor swimming pools, where you and your family can splash around and have fun this summer. If you want to move your body and have fun, sign up for In-Shape’s pickleball classes and maybe join the pickleball tournaments California residents love. A healthy lifestyle is so much more than looking fit—it’s about feeling good in your body, and exercising at In-Shape will help you feel your best.
Take your functional training routine to In-Shape and join today at https://www.inshape.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3Qn8v9i
