Functional fitness focuses workouts on building a body capable of doing real-life activities in real-life positions. The key to functional exercise is the integration all the muscles rather than isolating them to work independently. Functional exercise training may be especially beneficial as part of a comprehensive program for older adults to improve balance, agility and muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls.

In functional fitness you should be standing on your own two feet or comfortably seated, supporting your own weight when you lift anything. It’s about balance and control, just like in real life. Functional fitness exercises also tend to be multi-joint, multi-muscle exercises. Instead of only moving the elbows, for example, a functional exercise might involve the elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles. This type of training, properly applied, can make everyday activities easier, reduce your risk of injury and improve your quality of life.

1. Functional Training Systems

Functional Training Systems (FTS) is a high intensity, widely varied exercise program implemented in a group/class environment that gives you a complete aerobic and anaerobic workout in less than hour.

At Alaska Functional Fitness, our FTS system utilizes platforms – bosu balls, swiss balls, boxes, treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers along with other tools – kettle bells, med balls, slam balls, dumbells, barbells, rings, ropes, TRX and the Life Fitness Synergy 360 multi station functional trainer. The key is our ability to create a fluid head-to-toe recruitment of muscle groups, in both aerobic and anaerobic formats, that resulting in rapid improvements in cardiac and respiratory conditioning.

2. Circuit Training Systems

Our Circuit Training System (CTS) is a high intensity group weight training program that combines free weights, advanced equipment, and specific functional exercises to maximize shaping and toning of problem areas. CTS training will isolate specific muscles by developing an understanding of proper alignment, range of motion, and peak contraction techniques. The advanced technology of the Life Fitness Insignia, MTS Hammer Strength and Hoist Roc-It will accelerate your training process and bring desired results faster.