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Feature Articles: Exercise
Choose Strength Training for More ThanStrong MusclesLinda Rellergert, Nutrition Specialist in St. Charles County, University of Missouri Extension |
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Regular, moderate strength-building activities can help you in
many ways.
- Stronger muscles and greater ability to do everyday tasks like climbing stairs and carrying groceries and fun things like dancing and bowling.
- Stronger bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Improved blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Better balance and less chance of injury during other activities.
- Improved posture, less back and arthritis pain.
- More self-confidence or sense of well-being that comes
from knowing you have the ability to do what you want to do.
(Note: Use the Exercise Pre-Participation Checklist to see if
you need to visit your doctor before starting a fitness
program.)
Home Equipment
Dumbbells and ankle weights are available at discount stores as
well as sporting goods stores. Begin with weights that you can
lift yet give some challenge. Most women can start with a pair
of two or three pound dumbbells; men with five or ten pounders.
Adjustable weights are another option to consider.
Homemade weights can be used on a short-term basis. Fill
empty milk jugs with sand, bird seed or water, or fill socks
with beans and tie the ends securely. Carefully weigh any
homemade weights to make sure each one of the pair is the same.
Strength training guidelines
Always warm-up before exercising. For strength training, simply
walk or march in place without weights or do gentle stretches
for a few minutes.
Start with light weights, or even no weights the first week
to learn the movements. Concentrate on doing the movements
correctly in a slow, controlled fashion for maximum benefit.
Take three seconds to move the weight, pause for a second,
then three more seconds to return the weight to the starting
position. This is called a “repetition.” Counting out-loud,
“one, two, three up; one, two, three down” will help you keep
the correct tempo and prevent you from holding your breath.
In the following weeks gradually increase the weight you use for 8 to 12 repetitions of the same exercise. This is called a “set.” Rest a minute between sets. You want to do two or three sets of each exercise during each training session.
The goal is to challenge but not injure your muscles.
If you’re unable to do the exercise at least 8 times, the weight is too heavy and you need to use a lighter one.
But if you can easily do the exercise 12 or
more times, the weight is too light and you need to increase it.
You may need different weights for certain exercises.
Complete all exercises with ankle weights before moving on to
arm exercises. Include exercises that work opposing muscle
groups in the front and back of the legs as well as the arms.
For example, exercising only the biceps and not the triceps can
lead to muscle injury.
Cool down at the end of your workout by gently stretching the
muscles you’ve used. This will help reduce muscle soreness.
Do strengthening exercises two or three times per week, with
at least one day off in between sessions. On the off days do
endurance or flexibility exercises.
Safety tips
Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises as this can
cause changes in blood pressure. This is especially true for
people with cardiovascular disease. Breathe out as you lift or
push, breathe in as you relax or lower the weight. This may not
feel natural at first, and you will likely have to think about
it for a while as you are doing it.
Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a tight,
straightened position. People who have had hip or knee
replacement or other joint surgery should check with their
physician or physical therapist before starting a
strength-training program. There may be certain exercises or
movements to avoid.
Pain is a signal that you are using too heavy a weight or
that you have an injury. If you experience pain, stop
immediately and try a lighter weight. Although some soreness
when you begin lifting weights or when you increase weight is
common, it should not last longer than one or two days.
Do not walk around wearing ankle weights as they may cause
you to lose your balance and fall.
For more information and specific exercises:
- Strong Women Stay Healthy and Strong Women Stay Young two books by Miriam Nelson, PhD with Sarah Wernick, PhD and published by Bantam Books. An accompanying video Strong Women Stay Young is also available from Women First HealthCare.
- Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging is a free booklet available from the National Institute on Aging. Call 800-222-2225, or visit the Internet site at: http://www.nih.gov/nia. The booklet is also available with a video for $7 a set.
- American College of Sports Medicine’s Fitness Book published by Human Kinetics, 1998.
| Exercise Pre-Participation Checklist Has a doctor ever said you have heart trouble?
Do you suffer frequently from chest pains?
Do you often feel faint or have spells of severe dizziness?
Has a doctor ever said your blood pressure was too high?
Has a doctor ever told you that you have a bone or joint problem, such as arthritis, that has been or could be aggravated by exercise?
Are you over age 65 and not accustomed to any exercise?
Are you taking any prescription medications, such as those for heart problems or high blood pressure?
Is there a good physical reason not mentioned here that you should not follow an activity program?
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If you answer “yes” to any question, you should consult with
your physician before beginning an exercise program.
Note: From the PAR-Q Validation Report (modified version) by the British Columbia Department of Health, D.M. Chisholm, M.I. Collins, W. Davenport, N. Gruber, L.L. Kulak, 1975, “British Columbia Medical Journal,” 17.
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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