If you have recently gotten back into an exercise plan but aren’t feeling the benefits you were expecting, you may need to shake things up! It is a common misconception that the most effective form of exercise for fitness and weight loss are cardio based models. The public health guidelines (Winnet, et.al., 2001) focus on aerobic exercise goals (walking and running) and tend to leave weight based training off their agenda! However, research for the last decade has highlighted the way that resistance training effects the muscular and skeletal system, and can help prevent issues related to bone density, muscle wasting and even decrease your likelihood of getting lower back pain.
In today’s society, the words cholesterol and diabetes are being thrown around by our doctors more and more. For those at risk, resistance training has also been proven to greatly reduce the diabetes risk factors, by increasing your metabolism, sugar and fat break down, and will also decrease blood pressure, thereby decreasing risks of heart disease.
Because of the longer recovery time, your body will also continue burning fat long after your workout has finished! For all the ladies worried about getting “bulky muscles”, we are here to break down another myth, weights do not have to equal huge muscles.
Ask your local trainer or physio about the most appropriate exercises and how to perform them safely and with good technique, and you will be well on the way to a healthier, happier body!
Our Pilates classes offer a resistance based form of exercise focused on toning and strengthening while accounting for injuries and rehabilitation. Have you tried a class yet?
Jessica Hartenthaler
Physiotherapist
