Developing functional strength is important because it helps prepare our bodies for real world situations. The bench press, for example, is a great exercise but rarely during our day to day lives are we required to lift an evenly distributed weight with a convenient handle attached. Instead we lift tv's, carry groceries, and shovel snow. A good way to develop functional strength is to perform exercises that engage as many muscle groups as possible. Here are a few.

Stand with a medicine ball between your feet. Squat down, pick up the ball, and bring it up to your waist. In a fluid motion push the ball up over your head. Bring the ball back to your waist and squat back down and touch it to the floor. Repeat. (remember...bend your knees and keep your back straight). If you don't have a medicine ball use something you have around the house like a big bottle of laundry detergent.

Large exercise balls are also a good way to develop functional strength. You Can sit or lay on them while doing other exercises (crunches or dumbbell presses for example). The movement of the ball will force you to engage more muscles to stay balanced.

Be creative and you can come up with exercises of your own.

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