Archive for the ‘Strength Training’ Category
Monday, May 12th, 2008 |
There was a time when it was debatable whether kids should weightlift and strength train. The controversy stemmed from the fact that the epiphyseal plates or so-called growth plates, that allow a child to grow, are not closed completely in children and youths. The open distance in these plates is what allows for growth and the thinking was that weightlifting, and certain other forms of physical activity can close these structures prematurely, and impact a child’s growth and development. Recent studies have shown that there is no clinical evidence of weightlifting in children causing growth plate injuries. And in fact most personal trainers and family physicians agree that weightlifting and strength training is beneficial to children.
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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 |
Weightlifting is a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. However like many physical activities it is not without its set of risks. Probably the most common injury from weightlifting is back injury. But while back injuries are a potential risk from weightlifting, if they do occur most often they are from poor technique or other errors made by the lifter that can be easily avoided.
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Saturday, May 10th, 2008 |
With our ageing baby boomer population, joint pain and joint problems such as arthritis are rapidly becoming major health concerns. Knee, hip and other “load bearing” joint surgeries are becoming increasingly more common. But did you know that a regimen of exercise that includes weightlifting and nutritional supplements like Glucosamine has actually helped some people avoid surgery?
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Friday, May 9th, 2008 |
Conventional wisdom has been that the best exercise to improve heart health and maintain a healthy cardiovascular sytem and thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack were aerobic or so called cardio workouts. Weight lifting has traditionally been considered an anaerobic exercise, and as such was not thought to be the best choice for heart health. However that is no longer the thinking. Many medical professionals and personal trainers recognize the benefits weightlifting has on the heart and lungs, especially when combined with more traditional cardio workouts.
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Thursday, May 8th, 2008 |
Whether your 8 or 80, weightlifting can be used to improve your overall health. While at one time it was thought that children should avoid lifting weight as exercise because it can cause damage to their maturing bones, and that seniors are just too weak and frail to weight lift. Both of these ideas have proven unfounded. Weightlifting when done correctly can help anyone get and keep fit. There has been very little evidence of bone growth plate damage in children who weight train properly, and seniors well into their 80’s and 90’s have shown to actually reduce some of the bone loss that comes with aging by working out with weights.
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Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 |
Whether you call it weight lifting, pumping iron, or bodybuilding - lifting weights both light and heavy have long been a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. Weight lifting or weight training has many health benefits for both men and women. There are weight lifting and weight-training routines appropriate for men, woman, even children of any age, any size, and any body type. If you want to build muscle mass, increase stamina, improve cardiac function even stave off the symptoms of osteoporosis - you can accomplish all of that and so much more by adding a good weight training routine to your regular workout.
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 |
One of the ways that medical professionals determine if you are overweight is by a rating called body mass index. BMI is an approximate measure of body fat based on weight and height proportion. BMI was designed to get an approximation or snapshot of body fat - it can over estimate Body fat in those with a lot of lean muscle mass, like weightlifters. BMI is calculated by taking your weight in pounds, multiplying by 703 and dividing that number by your height in inches squared. Compare the results as follows:
BMI
Weight Status
Below 18.5
Underweight
18.5 -24.9
Normal
25 - 29.9
Overweight
30 & Above
Obese
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Monday, February 18th, 2008 |
To achieve the proper benefit for any given weight lift exercise you must know the proper techniques and do it right. Incorrect lifting technique can work the wrong muscle groups, or worse result in strain or other injuries. The idea of “no pain - no gain” refers to the burn or the tingle you get when you have worked a muscle to the point that will result in its coming back stronger. Weight lifting is not supposed to hurt, and if it does you are either using inappropriate amount of weight or improper technique.
This is a preview of
Weightlifting Techniques - The Proper Squat
.
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Monday, February 11th, 2008 |
One of the most common question people will ask when it comes to weightlifting is “Should I use free weights or machines”? It is a good question, and one open for debate. Both weightlifting with machines and weightlifting with free weights have their pros and cons. And advocates on both sides. There are those that swear the only true work out must be done with free weights, yet for those who are novices or have had certain injuries, machines seem to be the ticket. Actually most fitness professionals recommend a combination of both, but if you are intimidated by the idea of barbells, and like the more modern feel of weight machines, you can and many do, train exclusively on machines.
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