For the last 30 odd years an exercise program typically consisted of cardiovascular conditioning (such as walking, jogging or cycling) activity and flexibility training. Long, slow steady state activity in the 'fat burning zone' was believed to be the way to weight loss and fitness. Little to no importance was placed on strength training exercise, particularly for women.
Today things have changed and strength training exercise is now the number one type of training and in gyms and fitness centers around the world. Men, women and even children use weight machines and free weights to build and maintain strength, health, fitness and resistance to disease.
What are the reasons behind this shift? First recent and ongoing research has recognized the importance of muscular strength as part of the fitness/health puzzle. As one of the first bio-markers of the aging process is the loss of muscle tissue from the mid 20's onward to the tune of one half pound per year it is necessary to address that loss if health is to be maintained.
It is no longer enough to exercise the heart and lungs and stretch our muscles. Strength is important in all of our muscles not only to stop the loss of muscle tissue but also to keep our bones strong. As our muscles are attached to our bones when they are exercised it places stress on the bones as well, strengthening them. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and physical injury along with improved functional fitness.
It is a mistaken belief that aerobic exercise tones and firms muscles, but in reality, strength gains are insignificant and it accomplishes very little toning and firming.
Any type of cardio activity - whether an open floor, a cross trainer, a stair-climber, a bicycle, a treadmill, or a track - does not provide the progressive resistance necessary to develop meaningful strength in the muscles.
When you are performing these activities (like brisk walking) your muscles work repetitively against minimal to zero resistance. This is not the path to building strength, and only strength creates muscular firmness and shape along with stronger bones.
The focus of modern exercise programs now is the importance about what happens after the exercise session rather than what happens during it. We are now interested in boosting our metabolism (our body's engine) as opposed to burning calories just while we are performing an activity. We know that muscle tissue is what drives the metabolic rate so the emphasis in now on greater fat burning every single minute of the day and night.
And this is what will give fat loss along with a highly toned body, enhanced strength and power, and improved lifestyle or sports performance. Just substitute a couple of strength training sessions instead of the long slow cardio time you will break through weight loss plateaus and grab yourself a wealth of health benefits as well.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here:
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Fitness Weight Loss Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.
