You might be fit, but fit for what? That’s the question hurled at gym-rats by proponents of a new fitness philosophy known as functional exercise. Its premise: Exercise should have a higher purpose than making you look hunky in a Speedo.

It should, for example, make you stronger and more limber in performing the motions of everyday life. To cite a seasonal example: If summer’s coming and you know you’ll soon be going to the closet to get down your panama or boater, you should exercise your reaching-for-the-hatbox muscles.

Functional exercise, as its name implies, mimics motions you perform in your ordinary routine or in playing your favorite sports. Logging hours in the gym building beefy biceps may earn you an admiring wink from Joan Collins, but that strength won’t protect you from throwing out your sacro the next time you throw out the trash.

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