Just because you do cardio exercises regularly and hit the gym for strength training three or four times a week doesn’t necessarily mean you are “fit.” All it takes is picking up a heavy box, an afternoon in the garden or playing softball with guys to lay you out on the couch with an icepack and ibuprofen. As the aging process takes it toll on muscle mass, affecting balance and strength, an appropriate functional training regime can make a significant impact in improving quality of life and daily activity level.

What is functional fitness training?
Functional fitness training has its roots in physical therapy. Today may of the exercises are incorporated in rehabilitation programs with the goal of restoring motion and function by targeting groups of muscles that are routinely used in everyday activities. Functional fitness emphasizes abdominal and core stability often combining exercises targeting both the upper and lower body to reduce pain and prevent injury.
We rarely think about the muscles we use to get out of chair, carry a load of groceries or pick up a small child, until we hear a pop, or feel an ache or a strain. If you believe in exercise and fitness then it just makes sense that you create a program based on your every day activities, no matter how small or intense they may be.
Most of us are never going to be an elite athlete, but that doesn’t mean we can’t function at the highest possible level when participating in recreational sports, completing daily tasks such as house cleaning or grocery shopping, or just taking a walk around the block. At Progressive Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, our personal trainer customizes programs based on your individual abilities and goals.
Who can benefit from a functional fitness program?
- Patients Completing a Rehab Program
- Anyone Suffering from Back or Joint Pain
- Women Going Through Pregnancy and After Delivery Looking to Regain their Shape
- Weekend Warriors
- Elderly People Concerned about Falling or Wanting to Increase Strength
- People Looking to Kick Start or Step Up an Exercise or Weight Loss Program
- Athletes Looking to Get to the Next Level
- Patients Who Will be Undergoing Orthopedic or Back Surgery
Where Does it Hurt? We Can Help!

Low Back/Lumbar
If you have low back pain, you are not alone. At any given time, about 25% of people in the United States report having low back pain within the past three months. In most cases, low back pain is mild and disappears on its own.

Neck/Cervical
The neck is less protected than the rest of the spine and can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion often affecting everyday activities. For many, it is a temporary condition disappearing with time.

Mid-Back/Thoracic
The thoracic spine encompasses the upper- and middle-back region and extends down about five inches past the bottom of the shoulder blades. Although it is solidly constructed and relatively stable, it can also be a source of pain.

Shoulder
The shoulder is not a very stable type of joint and tends to be easily injured. Pain can arise from problems with instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structure. Injuries can occur while performing manual labor, playing sports, or very often by repetitive movements.

Hip and Groin
The hip is a ball and socket joint designed to withstand repeated motion, but can become damanged due to overuse or injury. A groin strain is an overstretch or tearing injury to the muscles of the inner thigh or front of the hip

Knee/Hamstring/Quads
Knee pain can restrict movement, affect muscle control in the sore leg, and reduce the strength and endurance of the muscles that support the knee. The most common disease affecting the knee is osteoarthritis.

Foot/Ankle/Calf
The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Calf injuries usually occur as a result of a sudden pushing off movement or from excessive over-stretching.

Hand/Wrist/Elbow
Pain in the hand, wrist, elbow or fingers is generally caused by repetitive motions, overuse, or an underlying condition like arthritis or tendonitis. It is a very common complaint. Injuries can also occur during accidents or activities.

Head/Jaw
Many children and adults suffer from chronic jaw and facial pain. Jaw pain can happen all of a sudden, or it can start off mild and become more intense over time. Identifying the underlying issue is the first step in treating this condition.