Better balance and boosted confidence. Adding strength training to your fitness routine 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes can translate to better balance. The stronger your body is the more control you will have, which in return will help you feel more confident with walking or any other activity.
Heart health. Performing cardio exercises is not the only way to get your heart rate up. Along with activities such as walking or biking, strength training is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease. There are two factors that go into getting your heart rate up during a strength training session: the number of muscles worked during an exercise and the intensity you perform those exercises. The best way to achieve both is to choose multi-joint, compound exercises such as squats and push ups.
Reduce aches, pains and injury. Along with your muscles, strength training helps strengthen your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues. Strength training, also known as weight bearing exercise, helps those with osteoporosis increase bone density and improves joint mobility as well as muscle flexibility. This leads to your body feeling better and can help prevent injuries.
Epworth Villa offers strength training options through our Small Group Strength and Flex and Stretch classes. Residents are also able to reserve Personal Training sessions to find a customizable way to build strength as well.
Use it or lose it!
by: Blaine Jackson, NASM-CPT, Epworth Villa Wellness Coordinator
