Strength Train to Stay Healthy

Posted: Oct 14 in Lifestyle and Activity by Staff

If you avoid strength training because the idea of it conjures up images of bulging biceps, rippling abs, and pulsating pecs, you may be missing out on some of the major health benefits that strength training can provide after weight loss surgery.

Here are a few reasons why you may wish to add strength training to your workout twice a week:

Less pain. If you have arthritis, increasing the strength and flexibility of muscles surrounding the joint can decrease pain. Studies have shown arthritis benefits after 16 weeks of weight training so you need to keep going to see the results.

Better Balance. Though most middle age people don’t consider falling a major risk in their lives, as we age our balance deteriorates and the risk of broken bones increases. Strength training improves position awareness and balance.

Bone Density. Losing bone density is a common problem as we age, especially for women. Strength training stimulates the normal breakdown and depositing of calcium in bones increasing density and reducing your risk for osteoporosis.

Weight Loss. Building your muscles can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories. Some research suggests resting metabolism can increase by 15% through strength training.

Better glucose control. Diabetics often experience tighter glucose control when they get regular exercise. Once again, you have to stick with a strength training program for several weeks before you will notice an improvement in glucose control.

Better sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, strength training has been shown to help.

If you haven’t exercised for a while, talk with Dr. Bagnato or other members of your bariatric surgery team before you start. Depending on your health, there may be some restrictions on the exercises that are appropriate for you.  With good advice, starting slow, and following your exercise plan, you should see improvement in as little as eight weeks.