Fitness Tips — 10 May 2012
Strength Training Builds More Than Muscles

Strength Training Builds More Than Muscles.

Strength-training can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. You use

1. free weights.
2. weight machines.
3. or resistance bands.

to help you look stronger and healthier.

 

What many of us don’t know is that strong muscles lead to strong bones. And strong bones can help reduce the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis.

A combination of age-related changes, inactivity and poor nutrition – conspire to steal bone mass at the rate of 1% per year after age 40. As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after even a minor fall or a far less obvious stress, such as bending over to tie a shoelace.

Osteoporosis should be a concern for all of us. Eight million women and two million men in the United States have osteoporosis. It is now responsible for more than two million fractures per year, and experts expect that number will rise. Hip fractures are usually the most serious. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. It may be tough to walk across the room without help.

 

Strength Training Programs for building muscle.

 

Numerous studies have shown that resistance training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is very useful to help offset age-related decline in bone mass. Activities that put stress on bones stimulate extra deposits of calcium and nudge bone-forming cells into action. The tugging and pushing on bone that occur during strength training (and weight-bearing aerobic exercise like walking or running) provide the stress. The result is stronger, denser bones.

 

Strength Training Bone Benefits.

And strength training has bone benefits beyond those offered by aerobic weight-bearing exercise. It targets bones of the hips, spine, and wrists, which, along with the ribs, are the sites most likely to fracture. What’s more, strength training workouts — particularly those that include moves emphasizing power and balance — enhance strength and stability. That can boost confidence, encourage you to stay active, and reduce fractures by cutting down on falls.

 

Strength-training builds more than muscles – Harvard Health Publications.

 

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Mike "The Nrgizer" and Wendy are well known in their circles as being a health-focused couple. As nutrition and fitness coaches, they can make a difference in your life! They have done a variety of group chats, free fitness clinics, church fitness challenges, blogs, videos, etc. Do you want to improve your health or well-being? They can help you identify your wellness needs so you can live a healthier, more balanced life.

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