Strength for life’s challenges – you will enjoy the transformation
In this day with the level of technology at our fingertips we need to change our fear of resistance training and our perception that it is for the young or males only. There are too many mental and physical benefits to this form of training to avoid it. Firstly let’s look at the common excuses and perceptions (which are often misleading) used to avoid exercise:
It is natural to get weaker as you age
I’m not strong enough to lift weights
Strength training makes you bulk up too much
You increase your risk of getting hurt
I might hurt my joints
I’m trying to lose weight so cardio is more important
I don’t want to get too big
I don’t have the time to perform strength training
I am too old/young to strength train
I am intimidated when I enter the weights room at a gym and do not know what to do
I need to lose fat first
When you perform strength exercises you lose flexibility
Now let’s look at the benefits of resistance training:
Improved strength, control and understanding of your body which resultantly helps protect your joints from injury
Improved mobility and balance
Maintenance and in many cases improvement is made in flexibility and balance which ultimately helps maintain quality of life as you age
Weight loss – as you improve your muscle to fat ratio you not only tone up your body but you actually increase the number of kilojoules that you burn at rest (improved metabolism)
Has been found in some cases to help reduce or prevent cognitive decline in older people
Improves stamina the stronger you are the greater your work capacity and ability to perform normal life tasks. Therefore improving your ability to get more out of life
The benefits provided to chronic disease sufferers is well documented including those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, back pain, depression and obesity
Pain management
Improved posture
Reduced risk of injury (it is however important to perform the right program for you)
Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
Improved sense of wellbeing – this can be anywhere from body image, mood or self-confidence. Strength training is also a great stress reliever
Increased self-esteem
Improved sleep
Improved capacity to perform everyday tasks
And finally the things needed to be done to keep you safe and prevent injury:
If you have not had experience in lifting weights before it is imperative that you receive guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable trainer to ensure your technique is sound
Often even for an experienced athlete it is still important to receive feedback on your technique as there are always adjustments to improve. Therefor never be too proud to seek another’s advice
Ensure that you are on the appropriate training plan for you. This is not just weather you are trying to lose weight or increased muscle bulk in fact what you do during the day actually should be factored into your programming.
Ensure you perform all the recovery necessary to be ready for your next session
Seek advice and get on top of niggles before they become an issue
Above all the benefits of strength training far outweigh any risks and in fact performing it in a safe and graduated program helps to alleviate many of these potential hazards. Strength training is in fact a great way to minimise the risks encountered during life’s tasks and challenges.
Written By:
Tim Delvins
Body Fit Physiotherapy North Adelaide
If you are looking for physiotherapy treatment, don't hesitate to contact us on (08) 8267 6432 or physio@bodyfit.life for further information or guidance.
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