With age, a number of physiological and behavioral changes contribute to a decline in functional performance. Functional performance is described as the physical abilities related to the performance of daily activities. In addition to muscular strength, critical components of physical function for older adults are agility, power, and balance. However, previous studies focusing on physical training for this population did not include activities that directly improved each of these components. The purpose of this study was to document the physical changes in older adults through the application of a structured functional training fitness program. Healthy male (n=24) and female (n=14) older adults with a mean (± SD) age of 68.7 ± 6.1 years were recruited and trained for 35 weeks with three 75-minute training sessions per week. Functional fitness was assessed pre- and post-training by a testing battery specifically developed for older adults to include: the 30-second chair stand and arm curl strength tests; the 6-min walk endurance test; the forward reach balance test; and the 8-ft up-and-go agility test. Training sessions included: machine and free-weight based resistance training; Swiss ball and medicine ball core strength exercises; static and dynamic balance training; cardiovascular endurance training; agility ladder and cone agility drills; and medicine ball explosive throws. Pre- and post-test data were analyzed using paired samples T-tests. Compared to baseline values, the older adults' scores significantly improved for the 30-second chair stand (57.4%), 30-second arm curl (57.4%), 6-min walk (15.1%), forward reach (23.3%), and 8-ft up-and-go (28.9%) tests (p<0.001). Compared to population norms for highly active older adults, post-training scores were significantly greater for all measures (p<0.001). Post-test values were also greater than those reported in previous studies for subjects of similar age, following 20- to 52-week training programs using body weight exercises, rubber bands, and resistance training machines. These data indicate that the 35-week functional training based exercise program resulted in significant improvements in strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and agility. As a result of the intervention, subjects exceeded functional test norms identified for highly active older adults and no injuries were incurred during the intervention. Thus, functional training was found safe and effective for improving the physical function of older adults.Keyword(s): adult physical activity/fitness, aging/older adult issues, exercise/fitness/physical activity