Eileen West Logo

Top 5 Functional Movements You Can Practice at Home

Top 5 Functional Movements You Can Practice at Home


Top 5 Functional Movements You Can Practice at Home

Did you know that your ability to perform certain functional movements is correlated to greater longevity? Examples of such movements are balance, strength, power, flexibility, speed, and more.

Let’s take balance as an example – balance ability typically starts to decline around 40 years of age. After we turn 50, individuals typically lose about 25% of their balance ability each decade. We also know balance is directly correlated with fall risk, and falls are the cause of up to 90% of hip fractures.

As another example, one’s ability to do push-ups is directly linked with risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.  Read more about these examples and more in our post on fitness level and longevity.

But how can you ensure you are maintaining healthy functional movement? The good news is that there are simple movements you can practice — and they are easy to implement at home!  Check out the suggested exercises below and get started on maximizing your own longevity.

1. & 2. Balance and Motor Control

Standing on one leg while brushing your teeth.

Stand and Grab your toes, rock back and forth shifting weight. Take a step if you need to.

3. Endurance

Walking:

  • Try for at least 7500 steps a day.
  • If you find yourself losing your balance use a stick or assistive device.

4. Flexibility

Floor to stand:

  • After playing with a child, grandchild, pet or gardening, try to get into standing without significant use of upper extremities.

5. Strength

Grip strength: Farmers carry

Core strength: Push ups/planks

While watching TV, sit up and down off your chair at each commercial break.

 

Julie Johnson, PT, DPT, is with our physical therapy partner MovementX. Therapists from MovementX provide complimentary Functional Fitness Tests annually for our members. These tests are one of the many elements of comprehensive preventive care we incorporate into our concierge internal medicine membership at Eileen West, MD and Associates.

Interested in becoming a member of Eileen West, MD and Associates?

Schedule a Meet & Greet

Join Us On Social

Eileen West, MD
Eileen West, MD about a week ago
facebook
Eileen West latest FB image

This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating independence in all forms. At Eileen West, MD and Associates, that means empowering women to take charge of their health with care that’s personalized, preventive, and rooted in evidence-based medicine. Here’s to freedom, well-being, and the strength that comes from putting your health first. 🇺🇸✨ Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday! #FourthOfJuly #WomensHealth #IndependenceDay #EmpoweredHealth

Eileen West, MD
Eileen West, MDabout 2 weeks ago
facebook
Eileen West latest FB image

You likely recognize the signs. It may begin with a dull pressure behind the eyes or a disturbance in your vision. Soon after, you find yourself retreating to a dark, quiet room, unable to function as usual. Migraines are a serious and often disabling neurological disorder that affect millions worldwide. There’s no single “cure” for migraines, but there are long-term strategies that can give you back your time, energy, and peace of mind.⁠ To read more click the link for our blog. https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/how-to-manage-migraines-for-a-healthier-life/

Eileen West, MD
Eileen West, MDabout 3 weeks ago
facebook
Eileen West latest FB image

Feeling overwhelmed or burned out? Nature might be just what you need. 🌿 Spending time outside has real, measurable benefits for women’s mental health—from reducing anxiety and depression to improving focus and self-esteem. Whether it's a walk in the park or time in your garden, connecting with nature can be a powerful part of your wellness journey. 👉 Discover the science-backed benefits and tips for getting more green time in your life in a blog from our affiliate Ms.Medicine: https://www.msmedicine.com/blog/mental-health-benefits-nature-for-women #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #NatureHeals #MsMedicine #SelfCareForWomen

Let’s connect

Seeking more information?
Ready to schedule a meet-and-greet, health consult, or COVID-19 test?
Complete the form below and we will contact you shortly.

Existing patients: please contact us through your Patient Portals

Let's Connect
Copyright © 2025 Eileen West, MD & Associates and Practice Builders Healthcare Marketing Agency. All rights reserved.
Schedule a Meet & Greet