| The benefits of a good strength training program are | | | | throughout the day than an equal amount of fat. |
| almost endless. Less disease, happiness and most | | | | Even with all these benefits, many people are reluctant |
| importantly, showing off your muscles at the beach. | | | | to start training with weights. Concerns include injury, |
| Strength training should be part of everyone's routine. | | | | incorrect form and for women; not wanting to grow |
| Even if you are low on time, strength training, according | | | | muscles and look like a man. |
| to the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), | | | | When beginning your strength training program, the risk |
| only needs to be done 2-3 times per week with each | | | | of getting hurt can be greatly reduced by starting out |
| session lasting no more than one hour. For 2-3 hours | | | | with machines rather than free weights. As you |
| per week, huge benefits can be realized. | | | | become more comfortable with the machines, slowly |
| Regular strength training will: | | | | learn to use free weights. If you want to stick with the |
| *help you in day to day activities around the house and | | | | machines, know that they will give you the same |
| in your yard. It will keep you independent which is | | | | benifits as free weights. As for the concern that |
| especially important in the older population. Imagine not | | | | women will look like men, it won't happen without the |
| being able to lift a 5 pound bag of flour or take the | | | | help of steroids, which you shouldn't even consider |
| garbage out by yourself. | | | | using. |
| *lower the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension and | | | | Sometimes when we think of being healthy, we think |
| diabetes. | | | | of eating and running. While these are important, |
| *help you avoid lower back pain. | | | | strength training should never be left out. Strength |
| *increase bone density which is important for post | | | | training provides benefits to your health that cannot be |
| menopausal women. | | | | found with any other mode of exercise and shouldn't |
| *increase muscle mass which burns more calories | | | | be forgotten. |