The Importance of Strength Training

Several years ago I worked with a personal trainer.  One day she turned to me and said, "you don't need to be afraid of bulking up like a man since women cannot do this due to their biological make up.  The female bodybuilder types are using "enhancers" to develop in this way."  I knew this, having a background in the medical field, but I have found that many women have this concern.  Over the years, I have found that I have had to address this with friends that were afraid of strength training for that very reason.  Strength training offers so many benefits to both men and women.  There is a reduction of anxiety and depression.  It helps prevent osteoporosis.  Strength training helps regulate blood sugar.  Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, I have found that when I am actively exercising and particularly hitting strength training hard (and not so hard), that I feel so much better.  I have energy and do not feel those MS-type symptoms as readily.  I actually feel "normal."  At this point, even though I am trying to lose weight, I am so happy to see the increase in muscle mass because I know it is so good for me.  Below there is a link to an article showcasing the benefits of strength training.   

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/

A Reason to Consider Mobility Training

Many people confuse flexibility with mobility.  What is misunderstood is that you can have great flexibility, but poor overall mobility.  Likewise, you can have good mobility with poor flexibility.  There is a need for a person to have both flexibility and good mobility to enhance their performance.  Also, I had been reading a lot lately on pros and cons of static stretching pre and post workout.  The article I read (link supplied below) touches on leaving the static stretching for a cool-down post workout.  With the wide interest in activities like CrossFit, mobility is now becoming a focus point in training.

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/warm-ups-mobility-exercises-will-prepare-the-body-to-move-quickly-and-efficiently-345

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Weight Loss

I was first introduced to HIIT when I participated in a local news station's "reality show," The Get Fit Club.  The coach for my team went over the concept of high intensity interval training as the preferred way for us to exercise during the program.  I actually found it very effective.  Even though I had gotten away from exercise with an overloaded schedule and crazy family life, when following a HIIT program, time is really not an excuse.

I found this article from Shape Magazine informative regarding HIIT:  http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/8-benefits-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit