Natural News Blog.7- Wellnessman Endorses Hitting the Weight Room
One of the things that “Wellnessman” notices when he goes to the gym is that there are many people doing “cardio” but not as many people using weights. People don’t realize that weight resistance training is just as important as aerobic exercise. Being strong and toned is important for a few reasons. The first is that it will cut down on your chances of arthritis in your body. Strong muscles around the joints of the body will help to protect them from getting arthritis. It is also very important for the prevention of osteoporosis, which relates to loss of bone structure and bone strength. This is a particular problem for postmenopausal women, but men are affected as well. It is important to have a strong “core” which is the primary way to support your torso. The core includes the muscles around the stomach and lower back, and plays a big role in the ability to move and getting “up and down” from a sitting position. This is one of the most important things to have on your side as you get older. Finally, having lean muscle mass will allow the food that you eat to go towards rebuilding, repairing and strengthening your body as opposed to being stored as fat.
Going hand-in-hand with weight training is to make sure that you get enough lean protein intake (preferably vegan-based) in order to build the muscles properly. Throw in a little “High Intensity Interval Training” (“HIIT”) and this will also help your body convert fat to muscle.
In summary, “Wellnessman” wants to remind everybody to do weight resistance training on a regular basis. He suggests one to two times a week (three is even better!). This needs to be done in conjunction with aerobic exercise and proper stretching techniques. “Wellnessman” recommends hiring a personal trainer, at least initially, to show you how to use the machines (or free weights) with proper technique so as not to hurt yourself. If you are not self-motivated, you might need to continue on with the trainer afterwards.
Climb aboard the “Wellness Wagon” with “Wellnessman” by hitting the weight room regularly. Walk strong…with orthotics.
Sources:
1- Illiades, Chris, MD. “7 Reasons to Add Strength Training to Your Workout Routine.” EverydayHealth.com. N.p., 29 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Mar. 2015.
2-High Intensity Interval Training.” ACSM Information On… High-Intensity Interval Training (n.d.): n. pag. 2014. Web. 2014.
3-Andrews, Elizabeth. “The Importance of Strength Training as You Age.” ACE Fitness. N.p., 5 Oct. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2015.
