A little resistance is good for you!!!

I went to a barbell class at the gym this AM. I am pretty sure the instructor is a machine and I most likely will have a hard time picking up a pencil tomorrow, but it was a great work out. If you are not familiar with barbell class, it is when you lift weights to music in a group setting for an hour. I am in pretty good shape for my age of 41, but I struggled this morning. This brings up the point that it is great to switch up your routine to keep the body strong. For example:

• If you don't exercise, start by adding 10 minutes of exercise to your daily routine. 
• If you do exercise and only do cardio, add resistance training (or vice versa).
• If you already do both cardio & resistance training, add something new or increase the time/intensity.

Resistance training is great for our bodies. It is especially important as we age so that we maintain our muscle mass and our strength. Without resistance training the body naturally becomes weaker as we age. You don't have to go to a gym to do this. At home you can do crunches, planks, dips, & push ups. You can also buy resistance bands for less than $20 (as in the picture) use them to work out at home. Here are some links if you need more ideas/tips. Please leave a comment if you have questions or need more info.  

Stay strong!!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-training/SM00028/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://www.livestrong.com/article/105079-resistance-training-exercises-home/