Here is some great information you can repost to your list of older clients or on your blog or even print out and post in your facility!

When it comes to increasing physical function for a long time which exercises are the best?  I’ve assembled some of the top functional longevity exercises that I could come up with.  These are the same types of functional longevity exercises that I use in the Never Grow Old Fitness Formula – a follow-along exercise program for mature adults.  But first let me give you a few common characteristics of high-quality functional longevity exercises.

Functional Longevity Exercises:
1.         Challenge many aspects of physical function such as strength, balance, endurance, coordination, proprioception and stability

2.         Use many muscles and limbs simultaneously

3.         Focus on completion of a task rather than training a specific muscle

4.         Are easy on the joints

5.         Use a variety of equipment options

6.         Are rarely performed in a seated position (unless standing is not possible)

So here are some of my top functional longevity exercises for you to try:
•          Power Stand (stand up from a chair as fast as possible and lower back down slowly)
•          Lunge with reach to toes (both hands)
•          Side lunge with reach toe (opposite hand to toe)
•          Standing 1 arm row with tubing
•          Standing 1-arm chest press with tubing
•          Standing diagonal lift with DB (or medicine ball)
•          Plank Series (front, side, back)
•          Obstacle Course
•          High-Intensity Interval Training (cardio)

If you want to not only live a long life but also able to have a high functioning body in order to enjoy all of those extra years then try out these functional longevity exercises for yourself.  If you are already an avid exerciser but you perform the basic strength training movements on exercise machines at the gym then I dare you to try these functional longevity exercises instead.

Ready to start a Functional Longevity Exercise program?  Then click here!

Cody Sipe, PhD