Yes, Lifting Weights Really Is that Life Changing!
Mar 31, 2024
Today, in modern society, we are endlessly reminded about the physical benefits of fitness and having an exercise routine. The freedom to move and participate in life's challenges while also maintaining strong bones and joints. Becoming more widespread is the knowledge of the psychological or mental health benefits of fitness and exercise. Participating in regular exercise has been shown to regulate our stress hormones and decrease the effects of anxiety and depression.
Tactic Nutrition took to Instagram a few days ago to share some knowledge and data related specifically to menopausal and post-menopausal women. Their conclusion? While there is very limited research into what fitness regimen is BEST for menopausal women, there has been enough research to show, currently, the most EFFECTIVE form of exercise is heavy resistance training. While that may sound scary, especially if you have no training experience, let this drive your motivation… the best body recomposition data research done on post-menopausal women shows women with ZERO weight training experience make the MOST gains over the long term. Even over men. Invest a little time and energy in learning the core movements and stack the building blocks patiently, one at a time, and you’ll gain the confidence and experience to propel your life in a new, health-forward, direction.
As we age the way our body functions and repairs itself starts to slow. Without staying on top of proven methods to keep us healthy and mobile, our bodies began to deteriorate even faster. The good news is, no matter what your age is, you can work towards reversing that deterioration. Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability in older women causing brittle bones. With an appropriate workout routine, you can both strengthen you’re your muscles and bones but also improve your balance, which will help prevent falls. Don’t let your age create an excuse to not carry your groceries or lift your grandkids for their tight, bear hugs!
When thinking about maintaining positive overall health, we CANNOT forget about our mental health. Just as important as maintaining physical independence, we must remember without a healthy and clear mind we can’t move through the world as the best version of ourselves. It's hard to show up for the people around us, our grand babies included, if we first don’t choose to show up for ourselves. Physical exercise not only increases the oxygen supply to our brains improving overall cognitive functions, but also reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and risk of stroke. Fitness also naturally increases the production of our “feel good” chemicals, who doesn’t want to feel better, more often!? Lastly, it also promotes Neuroplasticity, a fancy way of saying our brains' ability to learn and adapt to new information. Your age is NOT a limit to your ability to grow and evolve.
Bringing this all together we can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of not only your physical body but also your eternal mind. Aging gracefully is accepting that you are your own keeper. While limitations exist in all our lives, WE are the driving force for maintaining our wellness. We no longer live in times where mental and physical health are seen as separate. They are symbiotic. One feeds and reinforces the other. If you want to live a peaceful and meaningful life physical exercise is a great place to start. Age, is no excuse.
