Well, it could definitely help extend your quality of life.
It was very exciting to see the review in the British Medical Journal recently demonstrating that just 30-60 minutes of strength training each week reduced the risk of ALL cause mortality.
A group of Japanese researchers looked at 16 different studies which had to meet strict criteria.
We know exercise and physical activity are good for us.
We just don’t always manage to do it.
And there has been less of a focus on strength based training when it comes to longevity and various diseases, so this review is something of a bolster to the already existing knowledge that it supports muscular skeletal health.
Do I have to lift weights in a gym then?
Short answer, no.
Longer answer is that it depends. Sometimes getting some support from a personal trainer can really help you build the foundations you need for effective strength training.
However, strength training could be something like gardening, yoga or pilates as well as a boot camp or outdoor fitness classes. . You want something that provides resistance so that your muscles work harder. But that resistance could be gravity and your own body weight.
Of course, I think that my outdoor fitness classes area perfect answer - a mixture of strength exercises using your own body weight or some weighted equipment. But you could find your own solution too.
Just make sure you’ve got some support to get your posture right and build your core strength so that you don’t do yourself damage getting started.
My classes are always beginner friendly and I keep a close eye on everyone’s posture throughout the class.
Plus you get the added benefits of being outside in nature, and a lovely community of women to support you along the way. Find out more via the button below!