CrossFit BC community in Olympic Village Vancouver – members and coaches together after class
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CrossFit Vancouver Get Stronger. Belong Here.

What is functional fitness?

Functional fitness is training the movement patterns you use in real life: squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, carrying, and running. The goal is carryover, so everyday tasks like lifting groceries or climbing stairs get easier and you stay capable and independent for decades.

A plain-language definition from the CrossFit BC glossary. We explain the term the way a coach would explain it mid-class, then show where it fits in an actual training week.

Common questions

Is functional fitness good for older adults?

Yes, and it is arguably most valuable later in life. Training the patterns behind everyday tasks helps protect strength, balance, and independence. Every movement scales, so it suits 50-plus athletes and beginners alike.

Is functional fitness the same as CrossFit?

CrossFit is one popular method built on functional movements. Functional fitness is the broader idea of training real-life movement patterns, which CrossFit, HYROX, and many strength programs all use.