Are You Fit for Life?

Jo Everill-Taylor

6 days ago2 min read

Let’s be honest—when we think about fitness, we often picture sweaty gym sessions, running marathons, or lifting heavy weights. But real strength? The kind that helps you move through life with ease? That’s a whole different ball game. The key isn’t just being fit; it’s being functionally fit.

What is Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness is all about training your body for the movements you do in daily life. Think lifting shopping bags, bending to tie your shoes, reaching for something on a high shelf, or getting up from the floor with ease. It’s movement with purpose, not just for the sake of exercise.

When you improve your functional movement skills, you’re building strength, flexibility, and balance that directly impact how well you move through life.

And the best part? You don’t need to be in your twenties or an elite athlete to reap the benefits!

Functional Movement Patterns

At the heart of functional fitness are key movement patterns that we use every day:

Push – Whether it’s pushing open a heavy door or pressing yourself up from the floor, push strength is essential.
Pull – Pulling movements, like opening a stubborn drawer or lifting a bag, strengthen your upper body and back.
Lift – Picking up groceries, lifting a grandchild, or moving furniture—lifting well prevents strain and injury.
Balance – Good balance keeps you steady on your feet, helping prevent falls and improving coordination.
Rotate – Twisting movements, like turning to grab something from the back seat of the car, keep your spine mobile.
Hinge – Bending from the hips, as in picking something up, protects your lower back and builds posterior chain strength.
Squat – Sitting down and standing up repeatedly throughout the day—good squat mechanics keep knees and hips strong.

How Pilates Helps

Pilates is a powerhouse when it comes to functional fitness.

It strengthens the deep core muscles that support your spine, improves balance, and increases flexibility—all vital for moving well as we age.

Here’s how it makes a difference:

Core Strength – Your core is your body’s powerhouse. A strong core supports your back, improves posture, and makes everyday movements smoother.
Mobility & Flexibility – Pilates keeps your joints happy and your muscles lengthened, making everyday movements feel easier and reducing the risk of stiffness.
Balance & Stability – Whether you’re navigating an icy pavement or playing with the grandkids, good balance is key to confidence in movement.
Posture & Alignment – Functional fitness is about moving well, and Pilates helps correct posture imbalances that can cause aches and pains.