3 min
Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I started with baseball as a kid and kept playing through high school. Sports gave me purpose, drive, and a sense of identity.
Whether it was the feeling of winning, helping my team win, or the rush of testing my physical limits, I learned to become addicted to physical activity.
If you’ve ever said, “I can’t do that” — whether it’s going on a hike, playing with your kids, or trying something new — this post is for you.
I want to show you how you can fitness as a tool (not just a chore) and earn more freedom, confidence, and energy in your life.
I’ll also share a few of my favorite ways I test & prove my fitness outside of the gym.
Functional fitness is the best way to prepare your body and mind for life.
It’s training with a purpose: running, lifting, carrying, pushing, and jumping. These are movements that you use in real life, and when you train them intentionally, life outside of the gym gets easier.
Getting stronger through deadlifts, box jumps, front squats, and push-ups builds real strength. It’s not about aesthetics (though it can be a nice side effect)—it’s about being ready for whatever life throws at you.
Movements like barbell deadlifts, front squats, bench press, and clean and jerks develop functional strength—the kind you need to lift your kids over your head or carry every grocery bag in one trip. Conditioning through biking, rowing, and running helps build the engine for a 20-mile bike ride, a weekend hike, or even your first marathon.
How do you know if your fitness is “working” outside of the way you look in the mirror?
Can you run 5 miles without stopping?
Could you pack a backpack on a moment’s notice and hike for 10 hours?
Do you have the energy and ability to show up and coach your son’s baseball team on your only day off from work?
Your responses to these questions will give you a quick insight to your abilities outside of the gym.
Here are five local ways to take your fitness off the gym floor and into real-life challenges — and fun.
Tests: Grip strength, pulling power, mobility, and mental focus.
Indoor climbing works your entire body—especially your back, shoulders, and core—while forcing you to solve problems on the wall and manage fatigue.
Tests: Aerobic endurance, leg stamina, and mental grit
A scenic ride over bridges and causeways with ocean views and breeze. This 10+ mile roundtrip is a great benchmark for your stamina and conditioning.
Tip: This route is mostly in the sun, so bring a backpack with plenty of water! If you plan to go all the way to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, bring a towel and refreshing snacks for the beach.
Running (or walking) 13.1 miles is no small feat. This iconic local race lets you put your training to work and check off a bucket-list experience! The next Publix Fort Lauderdale Marathon and Half Marathon is Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Tests: Aerobic capacity, posture, and muscular endurance
A long, flat loop with alligators and birds watching you ride. This route is a true test of sustained movement and mental focus over distance.
Tests: Core control, balance, and shoulder endurance
This peaceful mangrove-lined waterway challenges your midline and coordination while giving you a calm, scenic view of South Florida’s hidden beauty. This out and back loop takes 1-1.5 hours.
If you are already in the gym and training hard, pick something fun and exhilirating to do to test your fitness this weekend.
If you read through this list and thought, “There’s no way I can do any of these” we want to help you get there!
Book a free No Sweat Intro and we can chat about your fitness goals and help you get started with a program that will allow you to get more out of your life
Chat with a coach to learn more about what program will fit your lifestyle and your goals.
