There is a growing trend and I LOVE IT! Strength training is
back!
Strength training is finally getting the well deserved
recognition it deserves as one of the BEST ways to get in shape and stay in
shape with a toned, fit and healthy body!
Strength training is the most important type of exercise you
can do for better overall health. Most people have the
misconception that you need to run, jog or do some sort of cardio to
be fit, lean and healthy. Cardiovascular training absolutely has it's place
with heart pumping benefits, just not as the only exercise that you
are doing in your routine.
After years of people following fitness trends with many of
them stepping away from their weights and dumb bells, they are now
realizing the best way to "get fit" and "stay fit" is to
maintain muscle mass with a good strength training program.
The number one complaint that I hear from people about their
body is loss of muscle tone, followed by physical weakness, belly fat,
poor posture and balance.
We all know that weight training increases bone density
which lowers the risk of osteoporosis, but it also builds muscle mass and
increases your overall strength while burning fat. The best part of picking up
your weights is that you will keep burning calories even after your
fitness session is finished! The ideal strength training program will
increase your lean muscle mass as it reduces body fat, burns more calories,
which will give you the reward of a healthy, toned, fit looking body. Of
course you will need a healthy diet with protein and whole foods to fuel your
body and get the most out of your workouts too.
For the ladies: The misconception that if women lift
weights they will get big, bulky muscles and look like a professional body
builder is simply not true. Women need not worry about looking like Mr
Olympia since the ability to get huge muscles takes testosterone and women
simply do not produce the amount of testosterone that men do, so in reality
women cannot build the same muscle size as a man. So relax and pick up those
dumb bells!
On a personal note; I once volunteered for hospice and
worked with many aging adults in nursing homes and hospitals. The one
thing that I noticed as I watched these people go about their daily
lives was that the majority of them lacked strength and mobility. I
truly believe that if they had lived more active lifestyles with strength
training and daily exercise that they would not have been so immobile, stiff
and arthritic in their daily lives as they aged. Strength train now for a
healthier, vibrant and more active future!
If you are looking for a fit, toned, healthy body, that will
treat you well as you age, it is crucial for you to begin a fitness
program with more strength training for increased strength,
muscle mass and bone density along with the required amount of cardio
training for cardiovascular health, stretching for flexibility and balance
training too. Start light and build up your strength slowly. If you can, hire a
certified personal trainer
to guide you on proper form and a program designed just for you and your
fitness goals in mind.
