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

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

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

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

Functional exercises include activities like squats, which focus on lifting with your legs instead of your back, and core strengthening to increase balance and encourage good posture. The goal is typically to train and develop the muscles in a way that replicates functional, daily activities—at home and at work.

Functional exercises also tend to be lower impact, which minimizes the risk of future injury. The first step is usually changing the way trainers in your corporate fitness program think about exercise and training. This starts with a better understanding of anatomy and movement. For example, at HealthFitness, we're partnering with SPECTRUM, a leader in performance training, to immerse trainers in a 33-week curriculum that focuses on mobilization, activation and dynamic movement with muscles of the entire body.

From muscle groups to movement

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

Exercise is often about goals. But the benefits of focusing on movement far exceed beating your last rep count or achieving a personal record (PR) in the amount of weight you can lift. The result: a more holistic approach to training. It's not just about time spent in the gym, but how exercises and movements can help employees 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 to find a full hour to get a workout in. So, many employees are seeking convenient ways to slip that workout or series of exercises into their daily routines. It's about shifting employees' mindsets: yes, hitting the gym is great, but there are certain exercises and movements employees can do right at their desks or work areas that can prove helpful in their health and well-being, too.

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

Or, employees could use lacrosse balls right at their desks during afternoon breaks to relieve tension and mobilize different muscle groups. An inexpensive tool like a lacrosse ball is something employees can use anywhere, and at the gym as well. It's finding the movements and exercises that allow employees to feel immediate relief and create the foundation for healthy fitness habits moving forward. It's hard to believe that something so small, like a lacrosse ball, can have such a significant impact!

From PRs to injury prevention

Injury prevention should always be a priority with corporate fitness programs. In fact, it's usually one of the key reasons these programs exist! It's also a priority for employees. Many are concerned about musculoskeletal issues and how they're a key driver of their health care costs.

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

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

As you can see, training employees for mobilization and movement is a different concept. Not radically different from traditional approaches, but it is a methodology that's more focused on education and better understanding the human body and one that I expect to see more widely embraced within multiple industries. And, it's an approach that opens up opportunities for employees to exercise and practice these movements in different environments—from the on-site fitness center at work to their desks and while at home or on the road.

Ann Wyatt is vice president, program management & engagement at HealthFitness, where she oversees a national account management team. Her role includes strategy development and driving engagement for new and existing health management and corporate fitness programs, employee recruiting and training, program quality assurance and operations management.