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Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Sharpen your thinking skills. Some research suggests that regular strength training and aerobic exercise may help improve thinking and learning skills for older adults.
Strength training, combined with regular aerobic exercise, can greatly impact your health. You may build strength, improve your muscle tone, improve your quality of life and boost your self-esteem. But you can also injure yourself if you use poor technique with your exercises.
Strength training. Strength training includes the use of free weights, resistance bands or your own body weight to strengthen muscles, tendons and bones. Strength training is especially helpful to build back muscles that are important for posture. It also can help support bone density.
Strength training can be done at home or in the gym. Free weights and weight machines are popular strength training tools, but they're not the only options. You can do strength training with resistance bands, which don't cost much. Or you can even use your own body weight. Proper form is important to prevent injury and gain the most reward.
Balance exercises can help you keep your balance at any age. They can make you feel more secure. Older adults especially need balance exercises to help prevent falls. The risk of falling goes up after age 65. It's good to include balance training with physical activity and strength training in your daily activity.
Strength training is another key part of a fitness training plan. Muscular fitness can help you increase bone strength and muscle fitness. And it can help you stay at a healthy weight or lose weight. It also can improve your skills in doing everyday activities. Aim to do strength training of all the major muscle groups at least twice a week.
Core-strength exercises strengthen the core muscles. Core muscles include the abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. Strong core muscles make it easier to do many physical activities. You can do core-strength exercises on a carpeted floor or mat. Breathe freely and deeply during each core-strength exercise.
Strength training can become a part of a fitness plan as early as age 7 or 8. Younger children who start sports activities such as baseball or soccer also might benefit from strength training. To strength train, children should be able to follow directions and practice proper form.
Add strength training in your fitness routine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends incorporating strength training exercises of all the major muscle groups into a fitness routine at least two times a week. Rest. Avoid exercising the same muscles two days in a row.
Strength training. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. One set of each exercise is enough for health and fitness benefits. Use a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions. Regular exercise can help you control your weight.