Embracing Strength

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:36:08 +0000

Hey there, lovely ladies! Today, I want to talk about why women should embrace strength training. Now, before you start thinking it’s just for bodybuilders or young gym junkies, hold up! Strength training is for everyone, especially us wise and wonderful women who’ve seen a few more years.

First off, let’s bust a myth: strength training won’t make you bulky. Trust me, I’ve been hitting the weights for years, and I’ve only gotten stronger, not bulkier. Instead, it helps us build lean muscle mass, which is like our body’s armor against aging.

So, why is strength training so darn important for us? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to drop some knowledge bombs!

1. Strong Bones, Happy Bones: As we age, our bones can become brittle, putting us at risk for fractures and osteoporosis. But guess what? Strength training can help! When we lift weights, we’re not just toning muscles; we’re also putting stress on our bones, which signals our body to make them stronger. It’s like giving our bones a little wake-up call, saying, “Hey, we need you strong and sturdy!”

Balance Bites of Life

2. Fight the Flab: Let’s face it, as we get older, our metabolism tends to slow down, and those pesky pounds can start creeping up on us. But fear not! Strength training revs up our metabolism by increasing muscle mass. And here’s the kicker: muscles burn more calories than fat, even when we’re chilling on the couch binge-watching our favorite shows. So, not only do we get stronger, but we also torch those extra calories!

3. Sayonara, Stress: Life can be hectic, am I right? Juggling work, family, and everything in between can leave us feeling stressed out and frazzled. But here’s where strength training swoops in like a superhero. When we lift weights, our bodies release feel-good hormones called endorphins. These little beauties help reduce stress and boost our mood, leaving us feeling like Wonder Woman ready to take on the world!

4. Stay Independent: One thing I never want to lose as I age is my independence. I want to be able to carry my groceries, play with my grandkids, and tackle whatever life throws my way without relying on anyone else. And you know what? Strength training can help make that happen! By keeping our muscles strong and our bodies nimble, we can maintain our independence for years to come.

5. Heart Health Hero: Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about our ticker, our heart. Cardio gets a lot of love when it comes to heart health, and don’t get me wrong, it’s important. But so is strength training! When we lift weights, we’re not just working our muscles; we’re also giving our heart a workout. Plus, strength training can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing our risk of heart disease. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

Balance Bites of Life

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But I don’t know the first thing about lifting weights!” Don’t worry, my friends, we’re in this together. Starting a strength training routine can be as simple as picking up a couple of dumbbells or using resistance bands at home. And if you’re feeling a bit lost, there are plenty of resources out there, from online videos to personal trainers who can help guide you on your journey to strength.

So, to all my fellow fabulous females out there, let’s embrace the power of strength training! Let’s show the world that age is just a number, and we’re stronger, fiercer, and more fabulous than ever. Because when we take care of our bodies, we’re not just investing in our physical health; we’re investing in our future selves. And trust me, our future selves will thank us for it!

So, grab those weights, crank up your favorite tunes, and let’s get strong together. We’ve got this, ladies!

Exercise Regularly

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:51:32 +0000

Exercise is still an ugly word for me but I’m getting around to accepting it as an everyday ‘must’ in my life. In my mid-forties, like everyone else, I was looking to lose weight and feel better. Like everyone else I was looking for a cardio exercise to burn off those calories. Spinning was the rage back then. So, for the first time I stepped into ‘The Gym’, the place years ago my teenage boys would spend most of their free time in hopes of building up muscle. The spinning class ended up being a flop. I thought I could just take it easy on my first session and if it ever got to be too much work I would slow down on my cycling. Well, about 15 minutes into the class, my heart was pounding a bit too much so I eased up on the pedals. My heart rate didn’t seem to slow down, and I got scared. I jumped off the bike and started pacing in the back of the room. After a few more minutes of pacing, my heart finally slowed down. No more spinning cardio for me. As I began to walk out of the gym, feeling defeated and wondering what my next move was going to be. There must be an exercise type out there I can do and enjoy doing. On my way out of the gym, I glazed at the postings at the front desk and saw an offering for personal training sessions for a reasonable price. Why not? And so began a new chapter in my life with strength training.

Balance Bites of Life

I was teamed up with another woman who was also a beginner and 12 years older than me. For five years I looked forward to my workouts, three days a week. I felt myself making progress every day. I became stronger and more energetic. I no later had mood swings or feelings of anxiety or depression. After three years, my workout partner and I felt confident enough to do our own workouts without a trainer. At that point I started looking into creating strength programs and proper nutrition to meet my goals.

Strength training saved my life. I was going through a mid-life crisis. Kids were raised, career job gone, and I no longer felt needed or wanted. Going to the gym gave me purpose and structure. The environment was positively stimulating and gave me a sense of belonging in a healthy community.

Exercise can raise your serotonin levels. Known as the happy hormone, it gives you the feeling of confidence when physical tasks are conquered. It’s a way of telling yourself, “I value you.” Exercising sends you a message that you are worth taking the time out for yourself to make your body and mind healthier and stronger.

Balance Bites of Life

Fitness

Embracing Strength

Exercise Regularly