“The only true disability is a negative attitude.”
Your eyes roll upwards. “Laura doesn’t get it. This “strength training thing”… this “weight lifting whatever”… is for ex-marines, for hard body Millennials. Besides, I have a frozen shoulder, (or a bad back, or I’m exhausted from the recent death of my father)” you say. I hear this all the time from my fellow baby boomers. Yes, most of us have physical limitations and life issues to deal with. I hope this blog will encourage you to consider that you can get healthy and fit despite what is going on in your life.
I believe the only true disability in life is a negative attitude. But let’s start from the beginning.
What is strength training: Strength training is picking up something heavy (or a little bit heavy – say… a soup can) and putting it back down in a controlled fashion to create muscle contraction. The result will be a stronger muscle.
Why I believe it’s for everyone: I have several injuries, past and present. The fitter I get thru a safe, consistent strength training program, the less irritated my injuries are. I’m building up the muscles around an injury and promoting blood flow which has lessened the impact of my injuries.
What are my options? For some, strength training entails getting up from the sofa and walking around the block. Your body is the weight that provides resistance which you work against to become stronger. (Think of a push up or a sit up. It’s the same concept, super powerful moves. These are called “Bodyweight moves”.) For obese people, accident victims, etc. this exercise would be a challenge and is an excellent place to start getting stronger. For others, strength training is lifting 2 soup cans slowly overhead under the guidance of a Physical Therapist. For others, strength training is performing a 200 lb bench press. Start where you are, with what you have.
How do I begin? Begin by learning the basics from a quality fitness professional. Interview several and look for someone who will keep you safe by teaching proper breathing and emphasizing “technique over weight”.
It’s never too late to begin. You can do this!
Laura Eiman
November 28, 2016
“If you want to get stronger, you have to pick up that heavier weight.”
