Light resisted exercise can be a great addition to any fitness and health program. Everyone can undertake a light weights program and get some benefit.
The benefits include:
- increase muscle strength and balance
- decrease fat levels and promote body tone
- improve bone density improve ability in day to day functional activities
Getting started
Getting an assessment by a GP or Physiotherapist before you start is essential particularly if you are older than 40, have been inactive or have a known medical condition e.g. heart problems, asthma.
Tips for setting up a program
- To select exercises consult a Physiotherapist who can tailor a program to your specific body needs
- Warm up and stretch before and after you start your program
- Begin with light weights and progress when you are comfortable
- Maintain good posture during your exercise by unlocking your knees, keep your feet apart, keep your spine straight with its normal curves
- Keep your lower stomach muscles gently tight to protect your back
- Always keep breathing throughout the exercise
- Move the weights slowly with control throughout the entire range of movement
- Progress slowly and never lift loads heavier than you are used to
- If you are a beginner allow one day of rest in between Get started today by seeing your Physio
Written by Nick Lagos.