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When it comes to exercise, resistance training is often overlooked. Resistance
training is an essential part of any fitness program and has many amazing
benefits. Taking part in a sound resistance training program will improve the
conditioning of muscle tissue and increase metabolism. Metabolism can be
defined as the amount of calories the body needs each day to sustain life. An
improvement in muscle conditioning and metabolism will result in the reduction
of body fat and give the body healthy lean appearance.
What is resistance training?
Resistance training is a form of exercise that challenges the muscles of the
body by applying resistance to a movement. Methods of resistance training
include using one's own body weight, stretch bands, free-weights, machine
weights, medicine balls and anything else that will apply resistance to
movement.
Who can benefit from resistance training?
People of all ages can benefit from resistance training. From teenagers to
seniors the benefits of resistance training are unmatched by any other form of
exercise. When starting any fitness program it is recommended that you seek the
knowledge of a certified fitness profession.
Why should one apply resistance training to their fitness program?
Aside from improved muscle conditioning and an enhanced metabolism, resistance
training has number of other great benefits.
Additional benefits of resistance training include:
* Enhances physical appearance/Increases lean muscle/Decreases body fat
* Increases energy
* An increase and restoration of bone density
* A decrease in coronary disease
* Increases strength, power and endurance
* Injury prevention
* Aids in rehabilitation and recovery from injury
* Increases (LDL) good cholesterol
* Slows the aging process
* Improves balance, flexibility, stability and mobility
* Lowers resting heart rate / Lowers blood pressure
Some closing tips to apply to your resistance training program:
1. Perform a 3-5 minute warm up on a piece of cardiovascular equipment before
beginning you resistance training routine. This will help you avoid injury and
improve the quality of your workout.
2. Stretch before (after warm up) and after your resistance training program.
This also will help you avoid injury and improve the quality of your workout.
3. Perform your resistance workout before performing your aerobic workout. This
will maximize the benefits of both your resistance and aerobic training
workouts.
4. Perform each set of resistance training to the point of momentary muscular
failure while maintaining proper form. This will maximize muscular
conditioning.
5. Exercise large muscle groups before small muscle groups. (i.e. Chest before
Triceps)
For additional information about this article and articles similar to this
please visit
http://www.lakenormanfitness.com
or you can e-mail me at craig@ncprecisionfitness.com
Craig LePage, CSCS, NASM-CPT
Precision Fitness NC, Director
Craig
is a well-known Fitness Professional in the Charlotte, North
Carolina area and is the Director of Precision Fitness Mooresville.
He has been helping people reach their fitness and wellness goals
for more than 12 years. His credentials include a Bachelors of
Science Degree from the University of Bridgeport Connecticut, CSCS
credentials from the NSCA and a Personal Training Certification from
the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Craig has written
for Charlotte, NC area Newspapers, authored his own fitness &
nutrition program and is a frequent guest on a Charlotte area radio
show that focus' on health and wellness. He has recently
co-authoring a golf specific exercise book (Play Better, Longer ?
Golf) and is also working on a book of his own that should be
available sometime next year.
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