The goal offunctional exercise is typically to train and develop the musclesin a way that replicates functional, daily activities—at home andat work. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Reps, muscle groups and bench presses are common phrases andexercises that are recognizable and synonymous with "getting inshape." But a new trend in corporate fitness is emerging that not onlymakes getting in shape more approachable, but also supportseveryday activities, and better prevents on-the-job injuries. Thefocus of this new trend is on mobilization and movement. And it's atrend I envision having staying power.

This shift from traditional to functional fitness routines isall about making it easier for employees to do the things they doeach day—from carrying the groceries to picking up their childrento repetitive tasks on the manufacturing line.

It's also about addressing a changing workforce. One that isbased on more of a sedentary lifestyle (i.e., office jobs) and jobsthat require employees to be in prolonged positions (i.e.,manufacturing facilities). So, these functional fitness routinesare designed to help employees work at their desk "pain free," butalso play with their kids in the backyard.

Functional exercises include activities like squats, which focuson lifting with your legs instead of your back, and corestrengthening to increase balance and encourage good posture. Thegoal is typically to train and develop the muscles in a way thatreplicates functional, daily activities—at home and at work.

Functional exercises also tend to be lower impact, whichminimizes the risk of future injury. The first step is usuallychanging the way trainers in your corporate fitness program thinkabout exercise and training. This starts with a betterunderstanding of anatomy and movement. For example, atHealthFitness, we're partnering with SPECTRUM, a leader inperformance training, to immerse trainers in a 33-week curriculumthat focuses on mobilization, activation and dynamic movement withmuscles of the entire body.

From muscle groups to movement

Historically, many trainers have focused on muscle groups andexercises that tended to isolate muscles. The shift to training formobilization and movement, however, involves opening up a range ofmotion for muscles. And, activating muscles that may have gone"sleepy" or unused over the years. Then, learning to move moredynamically once employees get more mobility so they have anincreased range in their movement patterns.

Exercise is often about goals. But the benefits of focusing onmovement far exceed beating your last rep count or achieving apersonal record (PR) in the amount of weight you can lift. Theresult: a more holistic approach to training. It's not just abouttime spent in the gym, but how exercises and movements can helpemployees live healthier, happier lives.

From working out at the gym to exercises at your desk

Let's face it: it's tough to get to the gym. And even tougher tofind a full hour to get a workout in. So, many employees areseeking convenient ways to slip that workout or series of exercisesinto their daily routines. It's about shifting employees' mindsets:yes, hitting the gym is great, but there are certain exercises andmovements employees can do right at their desks or work areas thatcan prove helpful in their health and well-being, too.

For example, employees who spend all day sitting could tryexercises like myofascial release with foam rolling to helpmobilize muscles of the hips that often get tight due to the factthat they're spending 6-8 hours a day sitting at a desk.

Or, employees could use lacrosse balls right at their desksduring afternoon breaks to relieve tension and mobilize differentmuscle groups. An inexpensive tool like a lacrosse ball issomething employees can use anywhere, and at the gym as well. It'sfinding the movements and exercises that allow employees to feelimmediate relief and create the foundation for healthy fitnesshabits moving forward. It's hard to believe that something sosmall, like a lacrosse ball, can have such a significantimpact!

From PRs to injury prevention

Injury prevention should always be a priority with corporatefitness programs. In fact, it's usually one of the key reasonsthese programs exist! It's also a priority for employees. Many areconcerned about musculoskeletal issues and how they're a keydriver of their health care costs.

For example, repetitive movements like screwing a bolt into acar over and over again can cause major wear and tear on joints.That can lead to employee concerns like "I'm having a littletightness in my shoulder." By taking the functional trainingapproach, the focus is on mobilizing muscles to move moreefficiently in work and everyday life.

The focus on mobilization, movement and being dynamic is allabout prevention. This approach further emphasizes the importanceof moving throughout the day—each and every day. Because the endgoal is for employees to feel better. It's all about opening up awider range of motion and moving in a safer manner, yet stillchallenging employees to reach their goals.

As you can see, training employees for mobilization and movementis a different concept. Not radically different from traditionalapproaches, but it is a methodology that's more focused oneducation and better understanding the human body and one that Iexpect to see more widely embraced within multiple industries. And,it's an approach that opens up opportunities for employees toexercise and practice these movements in differentenvironments—from the on-site fitness center at work to their desksand while at home or on the road.

Ann Wyatt isvice president, program management & engagement at HealthFitness,where she oversees a national account management team. Her roleincludes strategy development and driving engagement for new andexisting health management and corporate fitness programs, employeerecruiting and training, program quality assurance and operationsmanagement.