Living Young Forever

Weight lifting is long been hailed for its health benefits. In recent years it has been refined to become know as “resistance” training. When proper stress is applied to the body such as load bearing or weight bearing exercises the body responses to accommodate the new stress through adaptation.

The benefits to this is increased bone density and muscle quality improves to accommodate the new demand. Cardio fitness is still important but being able to get up out of your chair and go about your daily activities takes muscle and balance skills which are only achieved be weight or resistance training.

No you don’t have to be a “body builder” or a highly conditioned athlete to achieve health and a vibrate life. Simple tools for exercising such as a re-bounder, resistance bands or light hand weights can do the magic of keeping your muscle tonality and bone density in optimal condition. Just 30 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week is what research has shown to be all you need to keep the body tuned up.

For someone who’s accustomed to training with free weights, the transition to resistance training can be slightly confusing. The key is to forget about weight altogether. Rather than dwelling on measurements such as pounds and kilograms in terms of weight, you’ll need to select bands based on the level of tension. Select just enough tension to ensure a challenging workout, and upgrade your routine as needed.

Resistance bands are especially convenient for workouts on the go. Whereas free weights are a pain to lug from place to place, resistance bands can fit easily inside a travel bag. They can be used solo, unlike dumbbells which require a spotter to be used safely. If you have further questions about the proper form and technique to implement during resistance training, consult a gym professional or a relevant workout video.