The tip of the week this week is to make strength training a part of your routine. I’m sure you’ve heard about the importance of strength training as you enter mid-life. A study published last year in The Journal of American College of Cardiology evaluated the differences in the effects of exercise between men and women. There was lots of good news for women in this study – but one surprising finding was that women who did strength training reduced their cardiovascular mortality by 30%. In addition, strength training is good for bones, joints, mood and metabolic health and it only takes 2-3 sessions/week to reap the benefits. I have really appreciated the changes I have seen as I have added strength training into my routine. It feels really good to do something good for my body every day!!
One of the barriers for me was that I didn’t really know what to do. But over the last few months I have used two different apps that have helped me. One is Apple Fitness+ ($9.99/mo or part of the premium bundle) and the other is the Nike Training App (free). I switch between them depending on if I’m feeling like paying for it! Both have a wide variety of workouts you can follow along with. I have focused on strength training, yoga and pilates workouts and usually do 30-45 minutes 3-5 times/week. So, start strength training – and an at home app is a great way to do it!!
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