Real-Life Exercise

Running on a treadmill going nowhere or pushing weights through mindless repetitions can get so boring. Try functional fitness. You can build strength, agility and stabilizing skills in a way that carries over into everyday life. You lift weights so you can tote a heavy bag, or sprint so you can catch a bus. Try these tips from trainer Juan Carlos Santana, an expert on this craze:

Lift weights standing up. This forces your core (abdominal and back) muscles to work. A strong core helps you lift heavy loads without hurting your back.

Do real-life cardio. Set up a course with cones. Run to the first cone as fast as you can. Side-shuffle to the second. Walk backward to the third. Dash to the fourth. The payoff: You'll be better able to dash after a zig- zagging toddler.

Rotate. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold a weight out in front of you and twist side to side, for better reaching and bending.