Top 3 Reasons to pick up those weights!

Contrary to popular belief, weight training is not just for people who want to show off their shapely physiques at body building competitions, or look great on the beach. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of working out with weights apply to ALL people—no matter what age, gender, shape or fitness level. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability even advocates strength training for people with chronic health conditions, mobility impairments, and any other disabilities.Ultimately, spending a few hours a week lifting weights can save thousands of dollars otherwise spent on medical bills, not to mention the improved quality of life.

1. Counteract Age-Induced Loss of Muscle and Bone Density.
Since muscle tissue automatically detrophies when not used, staying active is the best natural preventive method against age-related health issues. Strong muscles protect the bones by not only increasing flexibility of the joints and overall balance, but also prevent bone brittleness. As a result, the likelihood of injuries from falling down decreases drastically.

2. Prevent Weight Gain by Using Your Muscles as Calorie-Furnace
Muscles burn more calories than any other human tissue, even at rest. As such, weight training can help with weight management or even weight loss. Naturally, daily calorie consumption will account for at least 70 percent of the success. On the bright side though, people who work out with weights on a regular basis can afford to consume more food without risking weight gain.

3. Increase Your Energy and Productivity With a Revved Up Metabolism
Having more muscle mass thanks to weight training increases physical strength and energy levels for daily tasks as the metabolism automatically runs in high gear. Furthermore, feeling less tired and more alert also increases one's mental productivity which is compounded by the release of so-called happiness hormones, also known as endorphins, during moderate to intense physical exercise.

Fitness should be fun and relieve stress rather than make life more complicated. Find a routine you love or workout with a friend!

excerpt from examiner.com - Astrid Bidanec

Keep it up through the Holidays!

While exercise shouldn't feel like a chore -- it sometimes does. Especially this time of year we often slack because the to-do list is simply too long! Here are a few ways to make exercise top the list now and into the new year.

1. Start Slow
We're all guilty of throwing ourselves into some new fad workout; but then finding ourselves bored and itching for something new, again and again.

2. Reasonable Goals
Going from zero to 60 is never a solid way to start a new routine, mainly because you'll burn yourself out fast. Setting a reasonable goal is the way to go and you won't be disappointed.

3. Designate Certain Days and Times
Plan to exercise at a certain time each day so it becomes a part of your schedule. If you don't set up some sort of plan, it's easy to back down and procrastinate. Do you want to back down on your health?

4. Change It Up
Doing a steady 45 minutes on the elliptical can get boring and do less and less for you – switch it up! You don't want to hit a fitness plateau and then give up all together.

5. Reward yourself
Reward yourself for reaching a goal by getting a massage or a mani/pedi! (Remember #2 Reasonable Goals)