My Active Life - Stacey

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The Importance of Strength Training

Strength training can be a valuable addition to your exercise routine if you aim to improve your overall health. Not only does it help build and tone muscles, but it also reduces the risk of injury and increases bone density. The metabolic benefits of strength training are particularly noteworthy, as lifting weights burns calories during and after the workout session. This can help you lose weight, keep it off, and maintain a healthy body composition. Furthermore, regular strength training has been found to improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain. However, consulting with a doctor before starting any new exercise program is essential. Once you have the green light, start with bodyweight exercises, use proper form, and challenge yourself to reach your health and fitness goals.

Strength training can be a great addition to your exercise routine if you want to improve your overall health! It's excellent for building and toning muscles, reducing the risk of injury, and increasing bone density. Plus, lifting weights burns calories during and after the workout, which can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body composition.

And that's not all! Regular strength training has been found to improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain. How cool is that?

Of course, before starting any new exercise program, it's always essential to consult with a doctor. Once you have the green light, I recommend starting with bodyweight exercises, using proper form, and challenging yourself to reach your health and fitness goals. Keep at it, and you'll see progress before you know it!

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What is it?

Strength training is a great way to improve physical health and achieve fitness goals. It involves using body weight or equipment to work muscles and increase heart rate. There are five types of strength training: muscular hypertrophy, endurance, circuit training, maximum muscular strength, and explosive power. While some focus on hypertrophy, circuit training, and endurance, it's important to remember the benefits of strength, which include increased mobility, muscle mass, bone density, brain function, and mental health. Before starting any new exercise routine, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if there is a pre-existing medical condition or injury, and prioritize safety.

Benefits of Resistance Training

Resistance training may be the perfect solution if you want to improve your mobility, increase muscle strength, and boost your heart health! Weight-bearing exercises are great for building bone density and reducing the risk of injury, but they also help you burn more calories while resting. Exercise has even been proven to enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. As with any new exercise routine, it's always a good idea to consult a professional trainer or healthcare professional to ensure it's safe and suitable for your needs.

  1. Increased Mobility - Resistance training is an excellent option to improve overall fitness and increase strength, leading to increased mobility. It can help increase flexibility and make it easier to participate in physical activities with your child if you struggle with ankle mobility. Working with a qualified fitness professional can help you develop a resistance training program tailored to your needs and goals.

  2. Increased Muscle Mass - Resistance training is highly recommended for improving muscle strength and mass, leading to increased calories burned at rest and a better muscle-to-fat ratio. Gradually increasing weight or resistance through consistent practice can significantly improve muscle strength, but patience is essential as progress may not be immediate. It's always best to consult a professional trainer before beginning any new exercise regimen to ensure proper form and avoid injury.

  3. Increased Heart Health - Regular exercise has been extensively researched and proven to significantly impact overall heart health, with improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, lowered blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise routine to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your needs and health status.

  4. Increased Bone Density - Regular exercise, including weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and weightlifting, can significantly enhance bone strength, reducing the risk of injuries and fractures. This is particularly important for individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis.

    Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can lead to numerous benefits for overall health and well-being, including decreased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, improved balance, mobility, strength, and heart health, increased energy levels, and improved mental health.

  5. Improved Brain Function - Studies have found that exercise can improve cognitive function, memory, and focus and even lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Making exercise a regular part of your daily routine for physical health, brain function, and overall well-being is essential.

  6. Increased Mental Health - Exercise can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, lift your spirits, and boost your confidence while reducing stress and improving cognitive function. Your brain releases endorphins while exercising, which can help improve your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment and control over your life.

Long-term health benefits

As we age, it's common to notice a decline in physical abilities and overall health. This is especially true for women, who experience significant decreases in muscle mass and bone density each year. However, it's important to remember that self-care is an ongoing process. In addition to maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity, there are many other ways to prioritize our well-being. For example, staying socially active and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact mental health.

Taking care of our health requires constant attention, dedication, and effort. While maintaining a balanced diet and staying active are critical components of a healthy lifestyle, visiting healthcare providers for regular check-ups is also crucial. Doing so lets us catch any health issues before they become severe and enjoy peace of mind knowing we're in excellent shape.

However, it's not just physical health that requires attention. Mental health is equally important, and many ways exist to nourish our minds and souls. Staying socially connected, spending time with loved ones, joining a club, or engaging in activities that bring us joy are all effective ways to prioritize mental health.

Regardless of age or physical condition, it's never too late to start taking better care of ourselves. By making small changes to our daily routines and prioritizing our well-being, we can continually improve our health and prevent future health problems.

Bottom Line

Strength training is an excellent way to improve physical health and achieve fitness goals. This type of workout involves working your muscles and increasing your heart rate.

Regular resistance training has numerous benefits, including improving overall fitness, increasing muscle strength, and burning more calories at rest. It can also improve your heart health and bone density and decrease your risk of injury. Exercise can even improve your brain function, cognitive ability, and mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. To ensure proper form and prevent injury, it's critical to consult with a professional trainer before starting any exercise routine.

Our physical abilities and health decline as we age, especially for women. However, self-care is a lifelong process that includes a balanced diet, physical activity, and regular check-ups with healthcare providers. Maintaining a positive attitude and social connections can also significantly impact our mental health. Prioritizing our well-being and preventing future health problems is always a good idea, and it's never too late to start. So, if you're ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, consult a professional trainer and start your strength training routine today!

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If you are here and reading this, you are interested in your health and fitness and subscribed to My Active Life Members. That is so good; I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is the best thing you can do for yourself in the present and the long term.

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for”

— unknown

I find that quote so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you also have to live in the moment, and I feel like taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now as well as for your future self.

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