Posted on February 10, 2025 by Kate Halsall

If you’ve spent any time in the fitness world lately, you’ve probably heard the term “functional fitness” thrown around everywhere—from gym classes to social media and even in rehab settings. But why has it become such a big deal, and is it just another fitness trend?

What Is Functional Fitness?

At its very basic, functional fitness refers to movement that mimics everyday activities, helping people move better in real life. Think squatting (like sitting and standing), hinging (picking something up), pushing, pulling, and rotating. Unlike isolated exercises that focus on single muscle groups (like a bicep curl), functional movements train multiple muscles and joints to work together, improving overall efficiency and reducing injury risk.

Why Is It So Popular Right Now?

  1. Injury Prevention & Longevity – With more people realising that exercise isn’t just about aesthetics, functional training is being recognised as a key way to build strength while keeping joints healthy and improving movement patterns. This makes it especially valuable for aging populations and injury rehab.
  2. Crossover to Everyday Life & Sports – Whether you’re an athlete looking for better performance or someone who just wants to move pain-free, functional training directly improves the way you move in daily life. No more struggling to carry groceries or dealing with back pain from bad posture!
  3. Rise of Hybrid Training & Rehab Focus – More fitness professionals are blending traditional strength training with rehab principles, making functional movement the bridge between strength, mobility, and injury prevention.
  4. The Shift Away from “Old-School” Training – Many people now prefer workouts that enhance real-world movement rather than just isolating muscles for aesthetics. Functional movement aligns with modern fitness trends like mobility work, corrective exercise, and even mental well-being.

So, Is It Just a Buzzword?

No—functional fitness is here to stay. Whilst it’s a trendy term, the concept itself is rooted in solid science. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter, an athlete, or just someone who wants to move better and feel better, incorporating functional exercises into your routine can make a big difference.

What are your thoughts on functional training? Do you include it in your workouts?