Recent Blog Articles
The popularity of microdosing of psychedelics: What does the science say?
Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally
Is pregnancy safe for everyone?
New pediatric guidelines on obesity in children and teens
Screening tests may save lives — so when is it time to stop?
Natural disasters strike everywhere: Ways to help protect your health
The case of the bad placebo
Do we feel pain more at night?
If you use cannabis, do it safely
Time for a diabetes tune-up
Exercise & Fitness
Fitness with a function
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Add these exercises to your workout routine to improve everyday movements.
Each day you bend, reach, twist, lift, walk, and squat. If you exercise regularly, you may think you address these basic abilities, commonly known as functional fitness.
"Yet, many conventional exercises focus on building individual muscles. While that’s important, it doesn’t always work on improving how well those muscles move in everyday life," says Dr. Amy Lo, an assistant scientist at Harvard-affiliated Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research. "If you don’t devote enough attention to supporting daily movements, you can have trouble staying active and engaging in even the simplest parts of life."
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…
Workout Workbook: 9 complete workouts to help you get fit and healthy
The numbers are shocking. Just two out of 10 American adults meet recommended levels of physical activity. Nearly three out of 10 Americans ages 6 and older admit they aren’t active at all, despite reams of research proving that exercise is a powerful preventive, and sometimes an antidote, for disability and illness. This Special Health Report, Workout Workbook: 10 complete workouts to help you get fit and healthy, features nine excellent workouts that will challenge your body and spirit in a variety of ways while warding off boredom.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
