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Functional Fitness Training

by Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness, and Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

September 04, 2009 - 11:00AM

What is Functional Training? Simply put, it is exercise training that helps prepare you for your everyday functions, activities and movements of life. Do we really need washboard abs or buns of steel? This cosmetic approach has more to do with looks rather than function and performance. Most of us certainly don't have the enormous amount of time and energy it would take to achieve for a body builder's physique.

The Skinny on Abdominal Fat

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

December 22, 2009 - 8:30AM

'Tis the season for abundance and indulgence. Unfortunately, this usually refers to our eating habits during the holidays and not our fitness routines. It might be Santa's look to have "a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly," but excess belly fat comes at a high price.

Shape Up Snapshots: Floor Plank

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

April 05, 2010 - 5:00PM

Try this exercise that you can do anywhere to strengthen the power-house of your body, your core. Core exercises are essential for maintaining good posture and spinal integrity. Start with performing 3 planks a day, 4-5 times a week, for 10 seconds at a time. Progress gradually so that you are able to hold your planks for up to 30 seconds. You may also add a balance challenge while performing your planks by lifting one leg off the floor at a time.

Shape Up Snapshots: Bridge

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

August 10, 2010 - 3:19PM

Add this easy-to-do-anywhere stabilization exercise to your core routine, and you'll quickly feel the benefits, especially in the low back and hips. The bridge targets and strengthens the important deep tissue muscles that enhance your spinal alignment and lumbar region. These muscles are especially important when bending forward and when lifting. Start by performing the bridge 3 - 5 times, for 2 - 3 sets, holding each bridge for a count of 5.

Shape Up Snapshots: Quadruped

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

January 21, 2011 - 5:00PM

Core stabilization is an important part of the foundation of your fitness program and fortunately, can be done anywhere you go!

Incorporating this easy-to-execute exercise improves the muscular structure in your lower back (the spinal erectors), your abdominals and helps strengthen your deltoids. Start by performing 5 - 8 repetitions of the Quadruped, holding each rep for a count of five, for 1 - 3 sets.

Shape Up Snapshots:  Mountain Climber

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

March 09, 2011 - 5:00PM

The Mountain Climber is a great opportunity to strengthen and condition your entire body. When done correctly, your abdominals are activated and engaged which helps keep your form correct (ankles, knees, hips and shoulders in line – try to keep your hips from rising too high during each repetition). As in any exercise, breathing is important, so aim to use a rhythm that works for you.