Strength Training:
Use it or lose it!
All the major healthcare and fitness organizations (American Heart Association, Cancer Society, American College of Sports Medicine, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization) are all in agreement that strength training, at least 2x/wk, is beneficial for many reasons.
Benefits of resistance training:
- Increase muscle mass
- Increase bone density
- Improve balance
- Weight management
- Reduce cardiovascular risk factors
- Regulate blood sugar
- Boost your mood
- Pain management
- Protect your brain
- Extend your life
Living Fit can help you initiate and/or fine tune a strengthening program specific to your personal needs. In order to prescribe you the optimal strengthening routine, we consider your preferences, work out environment (gym, home, senior center), medical history, and goals. The coaching our Living Fit clients receive when starting and maintaining a strengthening routine ensures progress while minimizing risk of injury.
Are You Comfortable Getting On and Off the Floor?
Floor transfers are a predictor of longevity because of the requirement for functional strength, joint mobility, and balance/coordination. It is Living Fit’s mission to help you feel comfortable getting on and off the floor. The truth is, everyone is at risk of falling…babies, kids, adults, and elders. What matters is the risk of injury if you fall and whether or not you have the physical ability to get up if you do fall. Kids have a fairly low risk of injury when they fall and are easily able to get up. Many elders have an increased risk of injury with falls because of decreased bone density and difficulty getting up because of decreased joint mobility and decreased muscle mass. Living Fit can advise on exercise and lifestyle recommendations so you can get on and off the floor, maximizing your longevity.
Fall Prevention:
According to the National Council on Aging, more than one out of four Americans age 65+ falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
What can you do to prevent falls and decrease your risk of injury from a fall?
- Stay active and strong
- Create a safe home environment
- Have a plan in place to get help if you fall
- Move mindfully
- Visit your eye doctor regularly
- Take care of your feet
- Wear proper footwear
- Review medications and side effects with your primary care physician
Living Fit can help you with fall prevention and fall preparedness by creating a personalized strength routine, providing balance exercises, identifying areas of risk in your home, advising on home safety, and reviewing footwear.
