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Much of my fitness equipment is based on the principles of functional training. Functional training is a method of training in which you focus on the integration of multiple muscle groups while exercising the entire body. Rather than attempting to "isolate" individual muscle groups with exercises performed in restrictive postures, functional training encourages complex multi-joint movements.

The latest findings in exercise science advocate exercises that maximally stimulate the central nervous system. Challenging one's balance and coordination while working with a variety of resistance loads improves the function of the central nervous system and, therefore, the human body's ability to function during one's daily activities.

The face of exercise is changing. The days of attempting to "isolate" an individual muscle group while training to improve/maintain one's overall health are waning. Machines are now created to be more "functional." The exercises we practice should integrate the use of multiple muscle groups and be applicable to the physical tasks we perform throughout our day. Balance and coordination while moving our muscles and joints through varied ranges of motion is a necessity. Practicing these movements with added resistance during exercise makes us more efficient as we perform life's daily functions.

Currently, the emphasis in fitness training is to involve as many supporting muscles in one exercise as possible. Creators of exercise equipment no longer aim to build machines that confine the user in a position, which unnaturally emphasizes a particular muscle group. Support for our back, arms or legs must come from our ability to control the active ancillary muscles throughout each exercise movement. To effectively use our extremities, we must learn to control the muscles of the trunk. Welcome to "functional" fitness.

Functional fitness challenges the exerciser to perform several tasks simultaneously. To effectively exercise the muscles targeted during a particular set, the exerciser must first control the muscles that are not targeted while maintaining proper posture and correct alignment of the torso.

Want to know what fitness products to use with "functional" training...please e-mail me for more information, and sample exercises you can do...

Exercise Advice

A good exercise program consists of aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (resistance/weight training) activity. Ideally, an individual should exercise 4 - 5 times per week aerobically and 3 - 4 times per week anaerobically. Realistically speaking, exercising 3 - 4 times per week aerobically and 2 - 3 times per week anaerobically is more probable for the average individual, who currently, according to US government statistics, engages in little or no physical activity.

The hardest part of exercising is getting started. There is always a good excuse for not being able to exercise. Not enough time, not enough money, no motivation, not knowing what to do, etc. etc. With over 60% of the US population considered overweight and over 35% considered clinically obese, there are far too many excuses for not exercising.

We lead sedentary lives. We exert little energy sitting at our desks day-in and day-out. Everyone who is not exercising regularly needs to get active and needs to make lifestyle changes. Crash dieting is not the answer. There are no quick and easy ways to get fit. Changing one's eating habits and one's activity level is the only healthy way to lose weight and get in shape.

Time constraints are the most likely reasons for not exercising. Let's face it, we all live busy lives and our schedules can be hectic. Getting to the gym can be a problem. By the time you get there and get dressed for your workout, a good part of the hour and a half you allowed yourself to exercise is gone. Home workouts give you more time to exercise, but less variety in equipment and your inability to avoid distractions can hamper an exerciser with even the greatest conviction.

Making exercise and healthy eating a part of your every day enables you to take control of your life and achieve your goals. Your biggest challenge is modifying your current eating and exercising habits without disrupting your life. Gradual change usually works best. Dramatic changes are not recommended because they are most difficult to sustain and usually do not last long.

Best of luck in all of your fitness goals. Remember, numerous small modifications add up to large results over time. It has taken you a long time to look the way you look today. It will take you a reasonable amount of time to get back to the way you would like to be.