Should Children Lift Weights?

Last year about this time I attended my first preseason football meeting for my son who was going into 6th grade at the time. I had no idea what to expect and how much work it would be for him. The meeting covered more than just practice times and how to get your uniform. It also included information on the importance of nutrition and what the boys should be eating. They also talked about exercise and stressed that the middle school students would not be utilizing the workout room, which was reserved for high school football players. One of the … Continue reading

Weight Lifting and the Elderly

It’s never too late to start lifting weights. At least that’s what the authors of a new fitness study maintain. A recent study published in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that individuals should be hitting the weights as they age. The reason: As time goes on people gradually lose muscle mass and become more prone to falls. Researchers say as individuals age they lose fast-twitch muscle fibers, used for activities such as running, kicking a ball, or getting up and down from a chair. To reverse the effects, scientists say older people need to … Continue reading

How to … Strength Train

So we’ve been talking about strength training and that will naturally lead into a discussion on how to strength train. First and foremost, as with any new fitness program that you want to start, you should pay a call on your physician and get a physical. You also want to make sure there are no underlying causes or reasons that you shouldn’t be lifting weights and if there are any areas where you should have a care with your weight lifting. Start Slowly & Lightly If you have never weight lifted before – you want to start slowly and you … Continue reading

Weight-Training and Weight-Training Safety

When it comes to working out, we explore the different options in order to give ourselves the best opportunities at health and fitness. Weight training is just such an opportunity. The primary rule of any weight training you do whether you are a beginner or more advanced lifter is to be safe. So let’s talk about weight training and weight training safety. Never Lifted Weights Before? If you’re a beginner who’s never lifted weights before, you need to work with a teacher or a personal trainer to learn how to lift weights correctly. The majority of injuries related to weight … Continue reading