Spring is here and it’s time for a lot of us to get back into shape. Some have decided to get into shape by start a training regimen. So what to do? Many believe that the way to lose weight and get back into shape is to jump into a lot of aerobic (cardio) training. Sorry, wrong answer! You can burn 60% more calories through strength training rather than doing your aerobic classes, running, biking, etc. Although Zumba, Jazzercise, spinning class and all the other fitness classes will tell you that you will lose weight and gain strength, which is true to a point, strength training will garner better results.
Losing Muscle
As we age we lose muscle mass, 5-7 pounds per decade to be exact. Losing muscle can create numerous problems, such as metabolic rate reduction, increased body fat (although you could still weigh the same as you did in school more of that weight is fat), decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis), and decreased gastrointestinal transit time (bowel issues).
Benefits of Muscle
Strength training and exercise also play a very important role in brain function. The better shape a person is the more efficient their heart functions. The more efficient the heart the more blood being pumped. More blood being pumped means more oxygen and nutrients being taken to the brain as well as other areas of the body. Increased oxygen rich blood to the brain means better memory, alertness, and mood as well as other functions of the brain.
Interval Training
The latest research is showing that steady state exercise, i.e. running, biking, fitness classes, is not as healthy as interval training. The research is actually showing that years of steady state exercise has lead to scar tissue on the heart. So if you enjoy steady state exercise, that’s fine, but be sure to mix it up with some interval type training that allows the heart rate to increase and recover, then increase again (possibly higher) and recover. A great example would be to sprint a certain distance and then walk, then sprint, then walk!
No gimmicks, No fads, NO BULL!!
A Strong Mind in a Strong Body!!
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