Resistance Training

Posted on May 7, 2020 by

Resistance training, also known as strength training, is a form of exercise that improves muscular strength and endurance. During a resistance training workout, you move your limbs against resistance provided by your body weight, gravity, bands, weighted bars or dumbbells. Resistance training is recommended to be exercised 2 times in a week. Exercises should be individualized depending on the individual’s knowledge on how to do specific exercises. Kinesiologists specialize in designing exercise programs for patients that need help overcoming chronic injuries and pain.

The Benefits Of Resistance (Strength) Training:

Types of Resistance Training:

  1. Calisthenics – Consists of a variety of movements that exercise large muscle groups, including push ups, sit ups, and running
  2. Weights – Strength training tools such as free weights, machines, kettle-bells, cables/pulleys

Benefits of Resistance Training:

Resistance training can increase tensile strength of connective tissues – helping to strengthen tendons, muscle, and ligaments. It allows tissue to generate more tension and which makes them more resistant to injury. Strength exercises can contribute to optimal performance in daily activities, as it improves posture, encourages weight loss and maintenance, and lowers injury risk. Strength training also reduces the need to do more cardiovascular activities because it helps control blood sugar.

This type of training can also be extremely beneficial for older adults because it improves mobility and functional independence. Implementing resistance training in your physical activity can help in the long run by delaying bone diseases such as osteoporosis – a condition where bones lose their mineral content/bone density and become more vulnerable to fracture. Bone density is improved when stress is put on bones by doing resistance exercises. 

Guidelines for Resistance Training:

  1. Do exercises that involve all major muscle groups (chest, shoulders, back, hips, abdomen, arms)
  2. To improve good posture, select exercises that strengthen the trunk (abdomen)
  3. Never lift heavy weights alone (have a spotter)
  4. Warm up prior to high intensity exercises
  5. Use proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries
  6. Exercise larger muscle groups before smaller ones (Ex. exercise legs before arms)

 

Physical Activity