Muscle Up!

Strength training is the often neglected component of exercise. Worldwide physical activity guidelines suggest both aerobic and strength training as avenues to health benefits through movement. Aerobic movement comes in the form of walks, runs, bike rides, swims, hikes, paddles, and more. Anything where you are getting your heart rate up to a moderate intensity (you can carry on a conversation still but it would be challenging to sing a song…challenging but sustainable).

The strength training aspect is where it gets a bit tricky. A lot of people associate strength training with the big guys throwing weights around in the gym and are worried that if we lift up a set of weights that we will end up looking too bulky. But the truth is, strength training and resistance training work provide significant health benefits that reach far beyond esthetics (though that is part of it and noooo you will not be bulky!).

Here are some of the known benefits of regular strength training:

-improved muscular strength, endurance and power

-stronger bones and improved bone mineral density

-easier to perform activities of daily living and household tasks

-improved posture (the strength of our muscles hold us up!)

-improved body composition

-support the management of many chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease and diabetes

-support mental health

-improve cognition

-feel strong!!

If you’re ready to start and want a little support, join us for a 4 week Introduction to Strength Training course starting Tuesday, July 6.

Who’s ready to build those muscles?!