For years, fitness has focused heavily on losing weight, burning calories and looking better. To some degree it still is, however, the conversation is changing. People aren’t just asking, “How can I lose weight?”. They are now asking, “How can I stay strong, mobile, independent and healthy for as long as possible?” And the simplest tools for supporting that goal has been around for a while now…
Strength training.
Muscles aren’t just about appearance.
When some people hear “strength training” they often associate it with bodybuilding. However, muscle does more than change how you look.
Strength helps you with everyday activities. If you are like me, you want to make one trip from the car to the house with your groceries or getting up and down from the floor to playing with your children or grandchildren.
Maintaining muscle becomes more important as we age. Traditional strength training can support muscular strength and endurance, bone density, metabolic health and mobility.
The goal doesn’t have to be a competitive powerlifter or spend two hours in the weight room. The goal is simply to maintain your ability to live the life you want.
Think of strength as your independence.
Think about what happens when someone gradually loses strength. Stairs become more difficult. Getting off the floor becomes harder. Carrying luggage becomes a challenge. Playing sports becomes more difficult. Activities that once seemed effortless can require assistance. That is why strength training should be viewed as an investment in your future.
You don’t have to train like an athlete
One misconception about strength training is that you need to lift extremely heavy weights to benefit. You really don’t.
A good program can use:
• Dumbbells
• Machines
• Resistance bands
• Barbells
• Kettlebells
• Bodyweight exercises
• Functional movements
As you adapt or get stronger, your training should too. That could mean lifting a little more weight or performing more reps.
Don’t forget mobility
Longevity isn’t just about being strong. It’s about being capable.
That means training multiple components of fitness, including strength, cardio, balance, mobility, and coordination. So, you could look at our group fitness schedule. Find a cycling class and yoga class to do once a week to make your strength training round out your program.
Or you can add simple movements to your program: incline walk, walking backwards, sit to stands, medicine ball movements or step ups.
Start building your future today
Your future is being built by what you do today. You could be 25, 45 or 75… it’s never too early or too late to improve your strength!
‘Til next time,
Yours in fitness
James Merritt II
Jmerritt@merrittclubs.com
James Merritt is the General Manager at Merritt Clubs Buckingham.
