Strength Training

Strength training is essential for everyone, no matter their size or age. As a dietitian, I've frequently encountered individuals who shy away from strength training because they fear getting "big." Others dismiss it as something they did in their youth, linking it only to being young. We readily recognize the importance of renovating an aging home. So, why do we struggle to appreciate the significance of maintaining a robust physical foundation?

See Yourself

Before you decide to skip strength training, ask yourself these two exciting questions:

• What's one activity you absolutely love and want to keep enjoying as you get older?

• What's something you used to do with ease but now find yourself lacking the energy for?

If you answered either of those questions, then strength training is definitely for you! Our bodies are incredibly resilient, and it's rare for someone to regain strength lost or be incapable of improving strength to some degree. I've worked with adults of all ages, from individuals in their early twenties to individuals in their mid-eighties. Age has never stopped me from recommending exercise. We all deserve a high-quality life, continuing to do what we love and perhaps even rediscovering past joys.

As you get to know me, you'll find out that I absolutely "love" weight training! But I'm not just about weights. I support all forms of strength training—whether it's with weights, bands, bodyweight, or even partner exercises where a person is the source of the resistance. If you think that is not worthwhile for you, here are some other possible benefits of strength training:

• Improve glucose control,

• mental health,

• increase bone strength or improve maintenance of strong bones, and

• enhance body composition.

If you need support getting started, give some thought to hiring a fitness trainer. While working with LM Health & Life, you will have both, a personal fitness trainer and nutrition expert. Don't worry, you won't bulk up just from lifting weights. That would mean your body magically created a calorie surplus just from lifting!