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Laurin Folts says functional fitness works for her lifestyle.

DALLAS — Laurin Folts is on a mission.

Once intimidated by the weight room, this Dallas mother of four (all under the age of 8) has embraced functional fitness.

Trainer Mason Murphy puts Folts through a series of excercises that mimic what she may do while on the go every day.

"Lifting kids in and out of the car all day, getting them in and out of cribs," she said. "It all seems a bit easier."

And yet those kinds of activities are injuring people every day. Studies show domestic and sports-related injuries are up some 30 percent in the last ten years.

So, to battle our sedentary lifestyles, functional fitness may be key.

"You're on your own two feet, not on a bike or bench," explained Premiere Club trainer Mason Murphy. "Many of the same excercises, but in a different setting—so the body is working together as one unit.

Go into any gym and you'll see people doing bench presses, but the reality is that you can work out more efficiently and benefit all of your body with functional fitness techniques.

More of your body's muscles are working together in the way the body would normally move. You burn more calories faster, and your body's core will be stronger.

And that can keep you in motion chasing however many kids you may have.

"I feel tired in the mornings sometimes, but then get the adrenalin rush, and you're ready for your day," Folts said. "I feel stronger, healthier; my movements are better."

If you're sold on functional fitness but lacking the funds for a trainer, Murphy suggests you save up for a couple of sessions, write down what you learn, and then start training yourself.

Most of the exercises associated with the technique are basic body movements.

E-mail jfarmer@wfaa.com