Functional fitness and CrossFit^® are two popular alternatives to traditional workouts, and many people assume they’re the same thing. They’re each unique, however, and focus on achieving different results. If you’re considering adding a new, exciting regimen to your workout program, here’s what you should know about each.

Functional Fitness

The goal of functional fitness is to increase strength, coordination, and agility to complete activities that are applicable to everyday life. It can range from being able to play more actively with your children to excelling in a work environment that requires strength and endurance. Because of this, functional fitness targets every muscle in the body. It also requires little equipment and can be done anywhere since you’re primarily mimicking everyday motions. Bodyweight squats, jumping rope, and sprinting are a few examples. For an added challenge, you can introduce light weights, a kettlebell, and resistance bands.

One of the leading benefits of functional fitness is that it’s lower impact, reducing the potential for injuries. This makes it great for older adults and people with mobility limitations.

CrossFit

CrossFit is a demanding, high-intensity workout program. It incorporates competition to drive people and prepares the body to handle any situation. At a CrossFit gym, you’ll find everything from traditional weights to climbing ropes, tractor tires, and weighted belts. These are all incorporated into explosive exercises that are designed to build strength and endurance quickly. It’s a favorite workout program for athletes. While the high intensity increases injury potential, it also yields greater results. An aspect of CrossFit that many people love is the sense of community that comes with joining classes or a gym.

Whether you’re interested in CrossFit or functional fitness, you’ll find everything you need at F45 Training Northwest St. Charles. This state-of-the-art fitness center features a wide selection of equipment and offers group fitness options to residents in St. Charles, MO. You can also work with a personal trainer to help you achieve your goals. Call (314) 583-8376 to speak with their staff, and visit their website to learn about becoming a member.