heavenlyBODYworks strengthens "functional fitness"

Functional fitness is an extremely important level of optimal health because it means your body is strong particularly in the areas necessary to carry you comfortably through daily life - functioning well.

For each person, the daily routine and requirements of the body vary. When a person has weak functional fitness levels, the body responds with symptoms of disharmony or dis-ease. For example, if you are sitting at a desk for long periods during the day, you need to place importance on strengthening the muscles along the shoulders, back, and abdomen so your body does not become slouched forward and weak through the center, or abdominal region. Weak abdominal muscles and poor posture contribute to digestive disorders and chronic back pain.

Good balance and strong postural supporting muscles

There are basics of functional fitness that are important to every person - good balance and strong postural supporting muscles. These basics are important because they prevent pain that might occur from falling or from muscle pulls and strains. Strong balance creates the ability to gracefully move through space and control your physical environment. With strong balance you are less likely to fall, bump into objects, or have loose footing. If there is a momentary loss of balance, through quick involuntary movement of breath and muscles, you can recover your balance. For this reason, it is important to focus on breath work while performing strength-training exercises. The resulting action is calm sustained breath work through moments of stress or pain in life.

Qi and breath within the body

Functional fitness is governed by the movement of breath and Qi (energy) through the body. Smooth flowing breath and Qi results in stronger muscles and a calmer spirit. You can only strengthen the muscles and functional fitness of the body thoroughly by strengthening the movement of Qi and breath.

Focused breath work while exercising strengthens the lungs and promotes circulation throughout the length of the body.

The person shown in the workout photos is Holley. Listen to her experience at hBw in our testimonials area.