1st year
anniversary edition
By Linda Hammitt (Yoga & Step instructor for
Bally Total Fitness) & Nicole Moneer (Power Flex & Kwando instructor
for Bally Total Fitness)
Photographed by Bob
Gabella
Linda Hammitt
My
Yoga Pitch
Photographed
by John Merkle
Nicole Moneer
Benefits of
Resistance/Strength Training
One year, this is our anniversary letter! I know this is the anniversary because I LOVE SUMMER, and summer was getting ready to happen when we started the letter. This newsletter (Nicole’s idea) is a response to our inability to answer questions, before and after our classes. There are always a lot of questions and we figure for every question asked there are those who won’t ask questions. We care about you guys and gals.
OK, here is my Yoga pitch… This past year I have
tried to emphasize the benefits of yoga by listing famous people who do it,
athletes, movie stars, etc. All in an
attempt to answer the question, Why do Yoga?
Aside from the physiological benefits that are too numerous to list: These might be part of Linda’s 20
rules for being yoga (might not be...last letter).
The benefits are
historic, they are documented, not made up, and the bottom line is:
HEY,
SUMMER IS HERE, AS I SAID BEFORE, MAHARIDY BAHINI, WANT TO LOOK GOOD IN A BIKINI? GUYS-
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH LOOKING FIT, THINKING FIT AND CHASING THOSE
BIKINIS, HEY BE LIGHT. LOOKING GOOD,
FEELING GOOD, CAN’T BE ANYTHING BUT GOOD. AS LONG AS IT’S IN YOUR YOGA
ENVIRONMENT
NAMASTE, I honor your energy. LINDA
Benefits of Resistance/Strength Training
Resistance training is the term used to describe using weights, machines, tubing, and even your own body weight to effectively work your muscles. It is the umbrella term used to accurately describe all forms of resistance training, whether working with weights or not. Although strength training accurately describes what resistance training does, many people do not use the term because they think it only applies to those trying to become bigger and stronger when, in fact, all resistance training which is correctly done indeed increases strength, but does not necessary visibly increase size. Resistance training does improve the look and tone of the body but it is now known to be more than just a specialized exercise activity.
*Medical research has shown that resistance training does the following:
*Strengthens the muscular system (increases muscular endurance, power and size)
*Strengthens the skeletal system
*Improves bone mineral density and strength (decreases the chance of osteoporosis)
*Increases metabolism (you burn more calories at rest!!!)
*Improves posture, balance and stability
*Limits atrophy of the muscles
*Aids in hypertension
control *Aids in cholesterol control
*Reduces body fat
(increases muscle to fat ratio)
*Enhances connective
tissue by improving overall joint integrity
*Increases circulation
(lowered heart rate and blood pressure after exercise)
*Aids in prevention of
adult-onset diabetes and may improve such medical conditions as diabetes and
arthritis
*Improves mood and
self-esteem
*Improves quality of
life/performance of everyday tasks
*Aids in the prevention of heart disease and certain cancers
These are just a few of the many benefits of resistance training as well documented by medical professionals. A well-planned resistance-training program should be a part of everyone's health and fitness lifestyle regardless of age, gender, or goals. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
The most important aspect of resistance training is correct performance of the exercise. Too many people focus more on how fast an exercise is performed or how heavy a weight is being used. If one sacrifices form by performing the exercise incorrectly, the result is endless resistance training without benefit or results and possible risk of injury.
Did you know that
1 lb of muscle burns 30-50 calories a day?
Sources: Fantasy Fit, Inc. at www.fantasyfit.com and “The Better Health Channel” at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Visit
Linda online at:
Visit
Nicole online at: