I want to share some great strength training facts with you for December. I want ladies to realize that strength training does not mean building big bulky bodies….we want strong lean long muscles….read the facts…it may change your mind about strength training!  

1. When performed properly can provide significant health benefits and improvement in overall health and well being.

2. Increases the stability of the joints and reduces the risk of injury from every day activities. Older people who take up strength training can prevent some of the loss of muscle tissue that normally accompanies aging. Even regain some functional strength ….by doing so becoming less frail.

3. Starting a strength training program means you have started a new lifestyle because strength is reversible. It will decline if you do not continue to obtain a strength stimulus throughout your life.

4. Increase muscle mass so it increases metabolism (better fat burning!) The bodies metabolic rate increases with increased muscle mass which promotes long term fat loss and helps dieters avoid yo-yo dieting…this fact is one of my favourite!!

5. Helps with posture (if done correctly)

6. Strength training is the key to maintaining good flexibility. It takes your body parts through a full range of motion and if you use the right techniques you will be able to develop strength throughout an entire range of movement. Strength contributes to the overall efficiency of the human body.

These last two facts come with side effects:

1. One side effect of any intense exercise is increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine which can help to improve mood and counter feelings of depression.

2. Strength training aids in the prevention of Osteoporosis. This is the reason why….until we reach perimenopause we need 200ml calcium for contraction of the muscle and 400ml magnesium for relaxation of the muscles….after we need 1500ml calcium and 750ml magnesium…..If we don’t have it available where does the body go to get it? The bones….and what does that cause…Osteoporosis.