I've been hearing the term functional fitness around the gym lately. Please explain what this term means exactly. Functional fitness is achieved when an exercise program not only reinforces one's ability to be good at a particular sport or exercise, but also supports the functioning of the body in one's everyday life as a whole.
Functional strength is part of being fit.
Having functional strength means the muscular system is capable of doing a range of everyday tasks safely and effectively. Functional fitness programs should be designed to enhance specific muscular movements and skills needed for essential tasks such as driving, sitting, gardening, standing, walking, climbing etc. They should also be based on an individual's needs and limitations. Functional fitness programs include techniques that match the speed, the range of motion, the degree of resistance and the movement patterns that you would use in your life outside the gym. For example, someone training to play volleyball might do plyometric exercises because this training technique enhances speed and power, as well as strength.