Make Strength-Training an integral part of your life...

Both women and men need to make strength-training using external loads (anaerobic exercise) a part of a comprehensive exercise program along with cardiovascular exercise in order to achieve optimum health and fitness. Body weight exercises alone only go so far and are best when used in conjunction with weight-lifting. With clearance form your trusted physician, take the steps to learn proper form and technique. Before you know it, you will look, feel and "actually be" stronger and healthier.The leaner and stronger your muscles are throughout your body, the more fat and calories you burn at rest with the added benefit of building and maintaining strong bones, joint health, relieving stress and so much more!

Whatever your age, it is never too late to begin a weight-lifting program. Once you make the decision that you will devote four or five 20-30 minute sessions per week to lifting weights, anaerobic exercise, you will have taken the first step! Think about it. Is an average of two hours out of 168 hours a week worth it? Absolutely! Then you must decide if you are more comfortable exercising at home or in a commercial gym. (If your company has a designated workout area/room with the right free weights then that could be an option as well)   


Next, it is essential to learn proper form and technique and above all how to safety complete each exercise for best results. If your budget allows, hire a nationally certified personal trainer (even if you can only buy limited sessions, at least you will observe and learn "in person" how to do the basic and compound movements correctly). The trainer should demonstrate how to do the full range of motion when lifting so that you also increase your flexibility as well as strength and power. Weight-lifters are among the most flexible of all athletes right along with gymnasts. The key is to complete that full range of motion when working each and every muscle and then progress to compound, multi-joint, full-body exercises. Too many people often make mistakes such as not only not completing the full range of motion therefore not getting the full benefit of the exercise, but also risking serious injury. Don't let this happen to you! The key is education and watching it done correctly. Then, you learn by doing it and very soon, lifting weights will become second nature! Stay tuned for tips on biceps exercises! Until then,


Climb, lift and eat well...