My Favorite Way to Get Fit (and Look Good Naked)

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I’ll be honest, I began functional bodybuilding after seeing a program that was titled, “Feel good and look good naked.” Who doesn’t want that?! So, after a little research, I started the program. I loved it so much we ended up implementing the program at our gym and it was a huge hit! It is hands down, my favorite way to get fit.

First, let’s take a look at what functional bodybuilding is.

Functional bodybuilding is one of the most efficient ways to work out. It improves body composition and overall strength—plus, it is really fun! You get the foundational and traditional strength exercises with the more “functional” movements that increase skills like speed, balance, agility, coordination, and mobility. This helps you avoid burnout and injury. Instead, it helps build you up, energize you, and make you feel great.

And, it gets even better…

Something I love about functional bodybuilding is that it forces you to slow down, focus on breathing, bracing, and increases your body awareness by having you move through the exercises with precision and controlled motion.

Basically, if yoga and CrossFit had a baby, it would be functional bodybuilding.

The workouts are written with tempo, pauses, static holds, and rep ranges, which increase the intensity by having you spend more time under tension. That is what improves body control and increases muscle gain as well as the brain-muscle connection.

Here’s what that looks like:

You might find yourself doing a squat with a tempo that has you slowly moving 4 seconds down, holding 2 seconds at the bottom of your squat, then slowly standing back up—taking 4 seconds to get to the top. The stimulus to the muscles via the eccentric (the lengthening) and the concentric (the shortening) movement is where the magic happens. That controlled, slow movement is what lends strong results (like looking good naked).

Why functional bodybuilding is for everyone…

Moving through a full range of motion builds strong tendons and ligaments. That protects our joints (prevents injury) and supports our fast-moving lives. Let’s be honest, our world is crazy right now. Sometimes, the last thing we want is to do is pile on an intense workout that will only deplete our already tired bodies. That is why I love this type of exercise—the focus is on quality of movement over intensity. If your body needs some extra love and attention because you are worn out, that’s okay! Take it slow. Be present. Bring awareness to areas and muscles in your body you may not have been previously aware of.

Functional bodybuilding can lend you the results you want from losing weight, gaining muscle, getting lean, getting toned, increased energy to simply feeling better. Partner it with quality nutrition and you will be unstoppable.

Ready to get started?

One of the beautiful things about health and fitness is that it looks different on everyone. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. You get to be adventurous, try new things, and discover what works best and feels best for your body. If you can, find a gym you love, take some classes, or find a personal trainer to help keep you motivated and accountable.

Functional bodybuilding might just be exactly what you need and there is only one way to find out. Give it a try and if you do, let me know what you think!

Cheers to being healthy, balanced, strong, and of course, feeling good and looking good naked! 😉