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Delaware Fit Factory

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June 17, 2025

The Top 5 Functional Fitness Movements You Should Be Doing

At Delaware Fit Factory, we’re all about training for real life—not just for aesthetics or PRs. Functional fitness is at the heart of everything we do because it helps you move better, feel stronger, and stay capable no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re chasing after your kids, carrying groceries, or simply trying to stay active and independent as you age, these movements train your body the way it was designed to move.

Here are the top 5 functional fitness movements we believe everyone should be doing—no matter your age or fitness level:

1. Squats

Squats are the king of functional movements because they mimic one of the most basic human actions: sitting and standing. Whether you’re getting up off the couch or lowering down to pick something up, you’re doing a squat.

Why they matter:

  • Builds leg and core strength
  • Improves balance and stability
  • Increases mobility and flexibility in the hips and ankles

We train squats in many forms—air squats, front squats, back squats, and goblet squats—to meet members where they are and help them progress safely and confidently.

2. Deadlifts

Think about lifting a heavy box off the ground or picking up your child—those are real-life deadlifts. This movement teaches you how to safely lift with your legs and protect your back.

Why they matter:

  • Strengthens the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, back)
  • Reinforces proper posture and lifting mechanics
  • Helps prevent injury during everyday lifting

At the gym, we train deadlifts with barbells, kettlebells, or even odd objects like sandbags to keep things fun and practical.

3. Push-ups

Push-ups aren’t just about chest and arm strength—they’re a total-body stability movement that builds pressing power, core control, and joint integrity.

Why they matter:

  • Builds upper body and core strength
  • Improves shoulder health
  • Teaches body control and awareness

We offer plenty of scaling options, so whether you’re doing them from the floor, a box, or even against the wall, you’re still getting stronger every rep.

4. Rows (Ring, Dumbbell, or Barbell)

Pulling is one of the most neglected patterns in traditional workouts, but it’s essential for posture and functional strength. Whether you’re pulling open a heavy door or rowing yourself up during a fall, this movement trains your body to stay strong and resilient.

Why they matter:

  • Balances out push movements to prevent injury
  • Strengthens the upper back and biceps
  • Improves posture and shoulder health

Rows can be performed with a variety of equipment, including dumbbells, rings, barbells, or resistance bands—whatever fits your level.

5. Carries (Farmer’s or Suitcase Style)

Carrying heavy things might sound simple, but it’s one of the most underrated functional movements. From grocery bags to luggage, you carry things every day—why not train for it?

Why they matter:

  • Builds grip strength and core stability
  • Enhances shoulder endurance and posture
  • Trains real-world strength and stamina

At Delaware Fit Factory, we use kettlebells, dumbbells, and even odd objects to challenge your carrying capacity and reinforce real-life strength.

Why Functional Movements Work

The beauty of these movements is that they’re scalable, accessible, and highly effective. They train multiple muscle groups at once and focus on movement patterns—not just muscles—which makes them more applicable to everyday life.

And here’s the best part: functional fitness doesn’t mean complicated. It means smart, safe, and purposeful training.

Ready to Train for Life?

If you’re ready to move better, feel stronger, and build a body that works for you, then it’s time to give functional fitness a try. Whether you’re new to fitness or just looking for something that makes more sense for your lifestyle, Delaware Fit Factory is here to guide you.

💥 Start your journey today with a free No-Sweat Intro:

👉 Click here to get started!

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