St. Louis Fitness Resource http://www.befitstlouis.com/ Fitness and Health BeFitStLouis http://www.befitstlouis.com/Functional_Training.html Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:41:22 GMT Is Functional Training for me?<br> <br> I put my clients in a position to succeed by specializing in what is known as functional training. I focus on assembling training routines specific to each client, always keeping the concept of functional whole body strength and conditioning as the core goal.<br> <br> I teach my clients about how the whole body functions as a singular unit and why it is important to train as such. The concept of functional training also offers the tangible value of efficient use of time; more than ever, time is short and clients are looking for the best “bang for their buck” regarding both money and time. I provide tremendous value of each.<br> <br> The principles I focus on start with foundation exercises that build on each other. I reinforce this concept when clients are presented with a new exercise by going over what they have already learned. They see and feel the foundation that was laid and how practical this training really is.<br> <br> Throughout the training sessions, I make a point to associate the exercises we are doing to practical and tangible activities they may perform on any given day (for example, climbing stairs, raking leaves and lifting that heavy object from the bottom shelf. I work on fundamental motions that all humans should be able to achieve; however, due to the sedentary lifestyles common in modern society, these motions are often neglected. These motions are explored and practiced to improve ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and reduce injury by not only working primary muscle groups but smaller stabilizing muscles as well. It is through the unification of these muscle groups that the body is better prepared to perform the tasks of life.<br> <br> Functional training is a practical tool that can be employed with any client because it is fully adaptable based on the client's health, abilities and goals. My clients tend to experience increases in ROM (Range of Motion), balance, body awareness and posture. I encourage working on the weaknesses that are often exposed in whole body training; by exposing these “weak links” we can shore them up, creating a stronger whole body.<br> <br>Thank you,<br>Phil Gawlak<br>Rivercity Fitness, LLC Saint Louis, MO http://www.befitstlouis.com/Recipes.html Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:20:34 GMT Recipe for Success http://www.befitstlouis.com/Functional_Training.html Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:48:03 GMT Functional Training has become a popular catch phrase in the fitness industry. The term "functional training" can now be heard from not just personal fitness trainers; more examples would include: athletic trainers, yoga trainers, Pilates instructors and even group exercise instructors.<br><br> Functional Training; what is it and why is it important?<br><br> The general goal of Functional Training is to train the body using movements the body is biomechanically engineered to do in everyday life.<br><br> Most individuals in our society don't live their lives using their bodies the way they are engineered to be used. Our bodies are designed to move, to go hunt and gather food, and to avoid predators. We're meant to walk, run, climb, lift, etc. Unfortunately, the same prosperity that makes such a wealthy and successful society is what's slowly corroding our bodies.<br><br>We were not designed to sit on a chair behind a computer screen all day long; when we finally do get up and attempt to use our bodies in a "functional" manner, injury often results.<br><br>-Functional Training incorporates multi-planar movements.<br><br>-Functionall Training typically requires more neuromuscular control than non-functional movements.<br><br>-Function Training incorporates many full-body movements<br><br>-Functional Training is dynamic movement under control.<br><br>-Functional Training stays within the biomechanical limitations of the body http:// Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:41:41 GMT September has brought new pages and upgrades to site navigation<br>Thank you for your support St. Louis!<br> http:// Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:40:11 GMT Fall has arrived here in St. Louis<br>Take advantage of the cool temps; get outside and do some hiking, biking, running or walking<br>Don't forget to check out our links for fun things to do this fall!<br>Be Fit St Louis! http:// Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:51:51 GMT -Navigation is currently being upgraded; we hope you like it!<br>-Biking Links are installed<br>-More access points to Interval page<br><br>Thank you to all of our followers<br>BeFitStLouis! http:// Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:32:27 GMT Our streamlined navigation is nearly complete! We hope you find the new site organization easier than ever to navigate. Thank you, BeFitStLouis! http://befitstlouis.blogspot.com/ Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:14:19 GMT Thank you following our young website, we thank you for your participation. Your input improves the site for everyone. http://www.befitstlouis.com/Master-Recipes.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:09:27 GMT We are adding information on this unusual and challenging form of whole body training. http://www.befitstlouis.com/Weightloss.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:59:19 GMT We are expanding our resources