KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Functional training uses compound movements for benefits like better posture, increased muscle tone, reduced body fat, better stability, and more core strength, which makes it ideal for older adults.
• The skills that function training builds help support independence and mobility.
• The benefits are just physical—functional training can also support cognitive function and overall well-being.
• In Reno, NV, certified personal trainer Paul Fischer offers adaptive functional training to safely and effectively train older adults.

For seniors looking to improve their health and quality of life, exercise can’t be beat. But functional training in particular could be most effective.This kind of exercise mimics ordinary, every-day actions to build strength, mobility and power. It’s sometimes called fitness for the real world, and it’s well suited to older adults. The goal isn’t building big, developed muscles. It’s improving movement, flexibility, and coordination. For seniors in Reno, Nevada who want to stay healthy and independent, functional training is really important.

Why Functional Training?

Functional training was initially a form of soldier rehabilitation following World War I. Soldiers coming home from the war had injuries that affected their ability to walk, stand, sit and bend. Functional exercises were developed to address issues of mobility and core strength. Instead of focusing on isolated exercises, like those in bodybuilding and power lifting, functional training is a return to compound movements for multiple benefits.

• Better movement – Our bodies are designed to move, but our sedentary lifestyles are only increasing. Functional training exercises have full movement patterns for less individual muscle growth and more overall function.
• Better posture – Both proper technique and unilateral exercises can help correct poor posture and muscle imbalances.
• Increased muscle tone – Even without building muscles individually, functional training is a great way to build strength in the entire body.
• More fat loss – Full-body exercises boost the metabolism and improve strength, endurance and mobility.
• Better stability – Functional training emphasizes balance, core stability, flexibility, mobility, and overall strength.
• Better core strength – The stronger your core, the more stability you have.

For seniors in particular, functional training can support the characteristics we really need to stay mobile and independent.A loss of strength, mobility and balance are directly related to an increased likelihood of falls, which is a very real concern for aging adults. Functional training helps improve balance, coordination and core strength, enhances mobility and flexibility, making it easier to do the things we need to do every day. Plus, there are cognitive benefits to functional training for older adults, which makes regular workouts more than just good from a physical perspective—they support brain health, too.

Keep in mind that functional training for seniors is also adaptive.So many older adults are concerned about getting injured with unfamiliar exercises and movements, or simply intimidated about getting started in a gym setting. That’s understandable, but the right personal trainer can eliminate these worries. Paul Fischer here in Reno has decades of experience working with a range of clients, and his speciality is senior fitness.He understands how to adapt functional training programs to individual needs and fitness levels, which makes it entirely suitable for seniors no matter their current ability or fitness level.

Getting Started With Functional Training in Reno, NV

If you’d like to learn more about functional training for seniors in Reno, Paul Fischer can help. Contact him today to set up a consultation, ask questions and learn more about the benefits of functional training and a qualified professional to guide you through it.

There’s no question that functional training can improve your strength, mobility, flexibility and health—the hardest part is making the decision to begin. In the interest of strong, healthy, independent golden years, get started by contacting Paul today.