Trails Provide Aerobic Training, But is That Enough?
Plenty of people out there want to get healthy, and there’s so many methods which people can use to do so. As you know, Trailsnet.com is a big proponent of getting out on trails and riding bikes, hiking, riding Trikkes, inline skating, snowshoeing & more. Even though trails are probably the best and most cost-effective gym out there, the aerobic exercise provided by trails is only part of the overall fitness picture and even the role that exercise plays in our overall fitness. Resistance training is one of the methods that people use for exercise and strength building purposes.
A Definition
Lifting weights is one form of resistance training.
So what exactly is this resistance training of which we speak? Well, according to the Vancouver Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, the definition of resistance training is as follows: “…the use of external force to build up the body’s ability to exert muscular force. Also known as weight or strength training.” What does that mean in layman’s terms? Well, it means that the person uses an outside element such as weights or a resistance band to build his or her strength.
Resistance Training Exercises
United States News presents an article entitled “10 Forms of Resistance Training That Strengthen Your Muscles” written by the U.S. News Staff to let people know what types of exercises actually count as resistance training. The article lists the following exercises: arm raises, internal and external rotation, leg abduction, leg adduction, side plank, plank, short arc squats/wall slides, wall shin raises, straight leg raises and heel step downs. Not sure how to do some of these exercises? Your best bet would be to consult with a personal trainer so you make sure that you’re not hurting yourself as you learn.
The Importance
Now that you know how to go about a resistance training program properly, you probably want to know why such a program is important. Well, according to the U.S. News Staff, there’s quite a few benefits. The article says that when you build up your muscles, your metabolism is improved and, of course, you have more strength in your body. Other listed benefits include the prevention of falling and injuries. As with many exercises, your mood can also be lifted from engaging in resistance training. Therefore, in general, you will feel better all around from the muscles in your body to the emotions in your soul.
Preventing Injury
As in any exercise program, resistance training poses injuries if the movements are not done properly. The U.S. News Staff actually states that your back is one area that can really be hurt if you don’t heed caution and advice. To see how to properly engage in the exercises, you can check out some videos from reputable trainers on YouTube or purchase videos for your home. Additionally, you can usually start working with a local trainer at your gym. Often, this is the best option since the trainer will get to know you and what you’re able to handle, thereby allowing him or her to tailor programs that are custom made for your body.
Resistance training is one more of the ways in which people can help themselves to get into better shape, to lose weight and to tone up. Having better physical and mental health doesn’t sound too bad now, does it? Well, get on your sneakers, head out to the gym and start working your way to a better you today!
Karmy Byler writes about fitness, finance & more at www.homeinsurance.org.
