This Men’s Health Week, one fitness expert has highlighted the benefits of functional fitness and revealed key exercise routines that allow people to perform everyday tasks with ease.
Here, Mark Harris, Fitness Expert at leading home-gym supplier Mirafit, has provided expert insight on the importance of this exercise type, revealing how people can incorporate it into their fitness regimes.
Functional Fitness – Why is it Important?
Mark Harris, Fitness Expert at leading home-gym supplier Mirafit, said: “With Men’s Health Week taking place this week (9th-15th), understanding the role of functional fitness is crucial for maintaining health and avoiding unnecessary injuries. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this exercise style in further detail:
- Makes everyday tasks so much easier
“As functional fitness routines mimic everyday actions, such as bending down, carrying or reaching, it can make everyday tasks much simpler and reduce overall fatigue levels.
This makes it vitally important as we age, allowing us to maintain mobility when going about our daily routine. For people with physical jobs, it can prove even more beneficial, as it further enhances fitness levels.
- It’s great for the heart
“Functional fitness includes a combination of both strength and cardio-focused workout routines. Exercises such as squats, burpees and box jumps are key examples of how this exercise style can boost cardiovascular fitness, helping to reduce our risk of heart disease and strokes.
For an added challenge, people should consider high-intensity functional fitness routines, allowing them to put their bodies to the test while strengthening the heart.
- It reduces injury risk
“Also, a key benefit of functional fitness routines is their ability to reduce the risk of developing injuries. For fitness fanatics, injuries can be devastating, impacting regimes and stunting progress altogether.
However, as many functional fitness exercises stabilise and strengthen key muscles around joints, it can prevent future injuries from occurring. It’s also great for our balance, preventing falls and ankle injuries by prioritising healthy movement.
“Overall, for anyone serious about their fitness in 2025, functional fitness needs to be present in their workout regimes. These routines mimic daily movements to support ageing, improve mobility and boost flexibility.
“As a whole, these exercises can be incredibly beneficial, not just for cardiovascular fitness, but for strength training and injury prevention too.
Key Functional Fitness Exercises to Prioritise
- Dumbbell Row
“Firstly, in terms of functional fitness exercises that also improve strength, I love the dumbbell row routine. This is a great routine that mimics the bending over action while building strength in the lower back while also working the arms, shoulders and core. It’s also effective for people of all fitness levels, as the weight can be adjusted to increase or decrease intensity and overall difficulty.
- Step-Ups
“Next, step-ups are a great cardio routine for improving leg strength and general fitness. It’s an obvious functional exercise, as it mimics climbing stairs while strengthening the lower body, such as the glutes and hamstrings. By working these important muscles, people can reduce their risk of tears or other needless injuries.
- Kettlebell Swings
“Additionally, kettlebell swings are another incredible exercise for building strength and improving general fitness. The use of the kettlebell adds a bit of a challenge, testing the body while mimicking lifting and carrying objects.
Overall, kettlebell swings are effective at improving core stability, balance, maintaining good posture and boosting cardiovascular fitness.
- Deadlifts
“A popular strength-focused routine, deadlifts are a go-to functional exercise that focuses on lifting objects. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why deadlifts remain a popular gym exercise.
They’re great for improving bone density, posture, promoting muscle growth and enhancing core strength. It prioritises a movement that easily translates into daily routine and other sports, improving performance and keeping the risk of injury at a minimum.
- Plank
“Finally, the plank exercise is an accessible routine that works key muscles, making everyday life much easier. It’s one of the best exercises for strengthening the core, as they’re engaged throughout.
Additionally, planks are an effective way to improve posture, stability while also testing balance. While planks should be a staple in everyone’s routines, it’s particularly beneficial for functional aspects.
“Overall, this Men’s Health Week, I believe men must understand the importance of functional exercises. By incorporating some of these routines into fitness regimes, people can make everyday tasks much easier while improving strength and cardiovascular fitness.”
Find Mirafit’s full range of workout equipment here.
