Why Strength Training is a Must for Everyone
Strength Becomes More Important with Age
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThink you're too old to start a strength training program? Well think again! Strength training is just what older bodies, even very old or frail ones, need to fight the loss of muscle and bone mass and strength.
Does the idea of strength training seem like something reserved for youngsters lifting several tons of weight? Well, it shouldn't! Everyone, no matter how young or old, should be doing some kind of regular strength training. This could be at the gym, or at home using very little equipment. Resistance bands and balls, small hand weights, water and even your own body weight can be used as resistance when designing a strength training program.
So what's the point? If you've never participated in a strength training program, why start now? Here are some very important reasons strength training makes a difference in your quality of life:
*Improves your
ability to do everyday activities: The stronger your muscles, the
easier it is to get groceries out of the car, get a package off of
the top cabinet shelf, push the lawnmower . . . the list goes on
and on!
*Improves your balance and stability: The stronger and more
resilient your muscles, the more balance is sturdier. This will
help keep you safe in your daily activities and decreases the risk
of falls or accidents.
*Builds muscle strength: Adults lose between five and seven pounds
of muscle every decade after age 20. Strength training will help
prevent this muscle loss, and rebuild what you may have lost.
*Decreases your risk of osteoporosis: Inactivity and aging can lead
to a decrease in bone density, leading to brittleness. Studies have
shown that consistent strength training can increase bone density
and prevent osteoporosis.
*Reduces blood pressure: Strength training can be beneficial for
the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure by
strengthening the heart, allowing it to beat more efficiently.
*Increases calorie burn: Strength training increases the body's
metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories throughout
the day. This aids significantly in long term weight loss.
*Reduces low back pain: Research has shown that strength training
can increase low back strength and alleviate low back
pain.
Time spent on strength training can literally help you turn back the clock and feel younger each day. Here are some principles to remember when putting together a program:
*Start by
strength training 2 days/week, building up to 3 days/week for more
of a challenge. Make sure you have at least one day of rest in
between each session.
*Start with 2-3 exercises each for lower body and upper body and
1-2 core exercises (abs, lower back). Examples of exercises can be
found in the Fitness Resource Center.
*Start with one set of each exercise (12-15 repetitions - slow and
steady), using light hand weights, resistance bands or your own
body weight. As you progress, you can work up to 2 and then 3
sets.
As you add additional sets, rest 30 seconds to a minute in between
each one.
*Never hold your breath during the exercises. Always exhale when
exerting force (on the hard part of the movement).
*Always warm up before and stretch before and after each
session.
*Pay attention to proper form and technique, as they are very
important for injury prevention and producing results.
*When selecting a weight, it should be heavy enough that you feel
the muscle working and the difficulty increasing as you get to the
15th repetition. The weight should be light enough that you can do
15 repetitions without pain or breaking proper form.
*Strength training should never be painful! If you experience pain,
stop the exercise immediately.
If you're in the 50+ age group, you have a lot to gain from regular strength training. Just remember to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. It is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your independence for many years to come.
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Jen Mueller received her M.Ed. in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Cincinnati. She is a certified personal trainer and has completed three marathons. This article was published on http://www.sparkpeople.com/, a site devoted to a free online diet plan and healthy living community, voted "Best Health Site" in Business Week's 2006 "Best of the Web".