From shoveling snow to climbing stairs, people constantly carry out tasks that may seem mundane, but can lead to serious injury if the body can’t handle the workload. Functional fitness targets groups of muscles throughout the body, conditioning them to work together so they can perform a range of simple tasks more easily and safely. Exercises commonly used in a functional fitness regimen mimic such everyday movements: squatting to pick up a heavy object, lunging forward toward an out-of-reach ledge, balancing on an unstable chair as the shelf collapses. Whereas a traditional curl targets the biceps by way of elbow movement, a functional exercise might incorporate the shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and ankles, which trains the upper and lower body to work in unison with the aid of a tightened core. This integration allows the muscles to grow at a similar rate, gaining strength in a way that complements the way a person lives rather than the way they simply work out.

Featured in the hit TV show Naked and Afraid, Diango brings his unique training techniques to people across New York. He moved to the United States 17 years ago from Mali, Africa. He strives to coach others on how they can exercise smarter and start living a healthier lifestyle. His goal is to open a free gym in the city for those who are obese, out of shape, need structure in their lives and cannot afford fees and memberships. After just three sessions, he can successfully determine your personal style and adjust your training to what is specific to your needs.