Curious about strength training? Not sure if you can do it? You already are.
If you get out of bed in the morning, lift bags of groceries or suitcases, or have ever climbed a set of stairs, you have done strength training. Anytime you move your body weight you are doing what can be considered functional strength training.
By incorporating a more systematic approach, whereby you use not only your body weight, but external resistance (i.e. dumbbells, cables, tubing, etc.), you can target additional muscle groups or individual muscles.
When you strength train in a more formal way, you will improve your strength, endurance, and flexibility (more on that in another post) while at the same time reduce the risk of injury.
An added benefit to strength training is that it is targeted type of weight bearing activity that will allow you, when combined with walking or running, to slow down the development of osteoporosis and possibly reverse it. This is proof of being able to stop or turn back the aging clock.
If you are already strength training, keep it up. If you haven't started yet, start today!
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References:
Hartard M, Haber P, Ilieva D, Preisinger E, Seidl G and Huber J (1996)
Systematic strength training as a model of therapeutic intervention: A controlled trial in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 75:21-28
Nelson M, Fiatarone M, Morganti C, Trice I, Greenberg R and Evans W (1994)
Effects of high intensity strength training on multiple risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. Journal of the American Medical Association 272:1909-1921.
About Me
- Rod Macdonald
- With 30 years experience in the field of wellness and self-improvement, Rod is a leading authority on personal and professional change. As a LEADER, Rod has helped numerous organizations to be their best both big and small. From not-for-profit national organizations to for-profit international companies, he has influenced tens of thousands of people to positively transform their lives and the lives of those around them. As a SPEAKER, Rod has helped people be their best through spoken word, delivering his message on stages at events in the US, Australia, New Zealand, China, as well as across Canada. As a COACH, Rod has helped people move from where they are to where they want to be, personally and professionally. In Rod’s opinion, coaching is the single most powerful support mechanism an individual or organization can employ to be successful. As an AUTHOR, Rod moves people with written words. Rod co-wrote the best-selling "Foundations of Professional Personal Training", used by more fitness professionals in Canada than any other book. Rod has also contributed hundreds of articles to numerous magazines for over 15 years.