I am going to start with a little explanation as to WHY you really want to be including resistance based exercises into your weekly work out routine and not just cardiovascular training like walking, running, cycling etc.
SPEED UP YOUR METABOLISM
So firstly, picture in your mind, a super sleek, red, fast, sexy Ferrari, whose engine you can hear before you actually see the car! Now within our own body, muscle is like this Ferrari engine, it requires constant fuel and a lot of it, meaning that with more muscle, your body´s engine will burn loads more calories. You turn your body into a super charged calorie-burning machine when you add more lean muscle to it.
The increased muscle you add to your body from strength training, will increase your metabolism and this also means you will naturally burn more calories even when you are asleep! Now that is a real bonus right? J I hope you are getting tempted, as I promise it has massive benefits for you.
Even more importantly, if you train hard enough you will continue to burn calories (and fat) after your workout has finished!
I really cannot stress enough the importance of building muscle and maintaining muscle, particularly as you get older as it naturally depletes. This process is called Sarcopenia, and it is believed to affect 30% of people over 60, and more than 50% of those over 80.
But are you aware that a similar phenomenon can happen to your bones called Osteoporosis?
By working your muscles against resistance you also increase your bone mineral density (stronger bones), therefore helping to prevent this degenerative bone disease. It’s not all bad news
Strength training is also especially important if you are dieting or cutting calories. As when you lose weight fast, much of the loss can come from muscle, which can slow down your metabolism considerably.
And of course there is the KEY POINT why most people start lifting weights, because lean muscle tissue looks damn HOT and SEXY on both females and males!
Before completing any exercises, you should consult your physician or other health care to determine if it is right for your needs. Always ensure your body is warm prior to completing resistance-based exercises. You can walk up and down the stairs or why not take your dog for a brisk walk. If you ever feel dizzy or unwell stop immediately and consult your physician. Remember to breathe comfortably throughout the exercises and make sure you control all movements.
Here are some great exercises to shape, sculpt and lift your butt.
The Forward Lunge
Stand with your feet hip width apart, toes facing forward. Place your hands behind your lower back (this helps with good posture). Take a big step forward so your front knee is a 90 degree angle and bend both knees, taking the back knee towards the floor. Make sure your back is straight, you are looking forward, with abdominals tight. Try to tense your thigh and buttock muscles as you work through this exercise. After each repetition, return to hip stance and alternate legs.
Try to complete 1-2 of sets 8-12 repetitions
Want to make it harder?
Take hold of a large bottle of water, some hand weights (dumbbells) or a barbell, add pulse for 3 on each leg
The Backward Lunge
This is in essence the same, but you are going backwards.
Stand with your feet hip width apart, toes facing forward. Place your hands behind your lower back (this helps with good posture). Take a big step backward so your front knee is a 90 degree angle and bend both knees, taking the back knee towards the floor. Make sure your shoulders are is back, you look forward, with tight stomach muscles. Try to tense your thigh and buttock muscles as you work through this exercise. After each repetition, return to hip stance and alternate legs.
Try to complete 1-2 of sets 8-12 repetitions
Want to make it harder?
Take hold of a large bottle of water, some hand weights (dumbbells) or a barbell, add pulse for 3 on each leg
Let me know how you get on.
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