Give Me Strength! Why Strength is Vital
Originally published June 10, 2006
Not too long ago, people thought strength training was for the military, police and football teams. Today, walk into any gym to find grandma's pumping out push ups, maternity leave Mom's mastering chin ups and former high school quarterbacks making a return to the squat rack. The general population is finally taking strength seriously. Strength is the fountain of youth.
Just ask Jack, a Haldimand resident who celebrated his 65th birthday last month by squatting 300 lbs, at the Steel City Powerlifting club near Caledonia. He'll tell you that strength training and proper eating habits truly do turn back the clock. He amazed his optometrist when Jack's vision actually improved since his last checkup. Purely coincidental? Perhaps. But the reality is, strength training increases growth hormones naturally. It also builds muscle and other lean tissues that protect the body and help avoid the frailty-dependence cycle.
If we fail to use our muscles, they atrophy or shrink... “use it or lose it”. Atrophied muscles, means weak muscles. Weak muscles throughout much of the body cause frailty and frailty causes dependence. It is undoubtedly a goal of everyone's to continue to be independent as we age. Studies show that hip fractures in the very elderly (70-90) will ultimately result in death 35% of the time. So the goal is to reinforce the body through proper strength training methods. Plus, being strong and healthy makes life so much more livable and enjoyable.
It is never too late to take up strength training. Researchers have seen tremendous gains and benefits made by people in their 90's. Take advantage your best time to make the best body possible – NOW! If the multitude of short term benefits fail to motivate you, then focus on the long term advantages - your freedom!
DE Coaching Team
Krista Schaus PICP CPT
Ontario CANADA
krista@definingedge.ca
Kate Kline PICP CFT
Arizona USA
kate@definingedge.ca
DE Client Services
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Where you can find the Defining Edge team or athletes
- Janary 2010 - Strength & Beauty "Next Level" (Milton, ON)
- January 2010 - Ontario Powerlifting Provincials (St. Catharines, ON)
- March 2010 - Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championship (Columbus, OH)
- April 2010 - Canadian Powerlifting Nationals (Quebec City, QU)
- April 2010 - CFBB Canadian Natural Physique Championships (Laval, QU)