Funny how you learn all about the stuff you’ve been doing ‘wrong’ all your life. The older you get, the more mistakes you’ve made. Take exercise and nutrition for example. Talk to anyone and you'll get a dozen different opinions on the best ways to get fit...
One will tell you to attend a boot camp class. Another will swear by yoga or jogging. Then someone else will swear by the Paleo Diet or how intermittent fasting or a juice ‘cleans’ worked for them…
The truth is that there's really only one effective way to get fit.
Before I get into those details, I want to make sure you understand and agree with me on the true definition of 'fit'. Being ‘thin’ for example, is often mistaken for being fit. Therefore, being thin isn’t necessarily what you should strive for – especially as we get older. Think about it. When someone is thin, but has very little muscle tissue, are they truly fit? Are they able to withstand their first bout of serious illness? Chances are they will become weaker over time… Here’s why thin doesn’t always equal fit:
Their body fat percentage will be higher than ideal—even though you won't see a lot of fat on them, if their muscle percentage is low then fat percentage will be higher.
Their resting metabolism will be low, since little muscle is present to burn calories at rest.
Their body won't be functionally strong, which will lead to injuries, illness and frustrations.
So how does one get truly fit? It’s this simple: Strength Training. Strength training is when resistance is used to challenge your muscles in order to gain strength and endurance. You could do this with traditional weights, exercise bands, medicine balls, cable machines, sandbags, kettle bells or even just using your own body weight.
Regular strength training has the following benefits…
Strength and muscle tone
Cardiovascular capacity
Speed, Agility and Flexibility
Resistance to injury and disease
If you think you’re ‘too old’ for strength training, then you’ve gotta re-train your brain! Too old? Who told you that? What makes you think you’re incapable?
Yes, age brings on changes and unique circumstances, but it’s not to be used as an excuse for preventing you from doing what your body was made to do: move…
And, if you need more to convince you that strength training is the only way to truly become fit, then read on… The Best Reasons To Strength Train 1. To Build Muscle and Gain Strength: Don’t worry, I’m NOT talking about ‘bulking up’ bodybuilder style (unless that’s your goal), wouldn’t it be nice to have a little more tone to your arms and body? More firm and less…well…squishy? 2. To Lose Fat: When it comes to losing size, all that you want to see go is fat, not muscle. Strength training ensures that you maintain and grow those muscles while minimizing body fat. 3. To Build Strong Bones: The older we get, the more important our bone density is. A good strength training program is one of your best defenses when it comes to osteoporosis. 4. To Alleviate Anxiety, Stress and Depression: Sure there are plenty of pills out there that claim to give these benefits, heck – some of us may think that’s what ‘happy hour’ is for! But you and I both know that strength training is a much more wholesome and effective way. And besides, who really wants ‘more’ pharmaceuticals (and their side effects) to take? 5. To Sleep Better: Here’s another pill you can stop taking once you start strength training. Study after study have proven that strength training improves sleep. 6. To Improve Chronic Back Pain: If you are one of the millions across the globe who suffer from back pain then you’ve got to get off your butt and move. Done intelligently, regular exercise will give you the benefit of lowered pain. 7. To Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Today diabetes is a huge threat and yet it’s treated with pharmaceuticals that could easily be avoided or replaced with adequate exercise and diet. Minimize your risk by improving insulin sensitivity through regular, challenging strength training. 8. To Improve “Good vs Bad” Cholesterol Ratio: Here is yet another pill that you could potentially stop taking while on a strength training routine. Blood pressure and heart health are of utmost concern (especially at our age), so why not give yourself the advantage of a strength training routine? 9. To Raise your Metabolism: This helps to reduce body fat and to keep that body fat off, even on the days that you aren’t able to exercise. A pretty amazing ‘perk’ of fitness, right? Having a solid strength training routine not only benefits your body’s overall appearance, but it really does improve your energy, mood and outlook. Even if you’ve never been one to exercise, if you’re tired of being sick and tired – and you’re truly ready to make a change, then feel free to reach out to me. Call or email me today for a ‘let’s talk’ strategy session (yes, it’s free. For real – no charge) and let’s work together to get you started on a fitness program that will not only reshape your body, but will ultimately provide you better health and energy, too.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Until next then – Live Loud, Stay Young, and Keep Moving toward a better you!
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