The CCBA (Carter Community Building Association) and Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) have partnered to present “The Four Pillars of Health,” a free community wellness series designed to help you improve your overall health and well-being. Each month, health professionals from APD and health and fitness professionals from CCBA offer simple, realistic ways to build healthier habits. Each session is a chance to learn something new, ask questions, and take small steps toward better health.
Strength training forces our bodies to adapt. It keeps our bones strong and helps maintain muscle mass, metabolism, balance, joint health, and overall physical function. Strength training, also known as resistance training, can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and injuries, and it can help us improve our ability to perform daily activities and manage chronic conditions.
But, says Jesse Davis, CCBA Fitness Manager and Certified Personal Trainer, many of us focus much more on cardio activity, which doesn’t incorporate resistance. Resistance training, says Davis, is just as important.
Davis shared a presentation on exercise as part of APD’s ongoing series, “The Four Pillars of Health.” He was joined by Kirsten Eastman, OTR/L, Manager of Rehabilitation at APD, and CCBA Executive Director Kerry Artman.
“We get into habits with the activities we like the most,” said Artman. “But the many different kinds of activities all provide distinct value. Challenge yourself and get out of your set routines. It shocks your body into doing something different.”
Even five minutes of a different type of activity can be helpful. Warm your body up before trying a new activity, to help prevent tearing and injury.
“It’s a two-way street,” said Eastman. “As they say, ‘Motion is Lotion.’ And if you do get arthritis, you can make changes to your activity, and minimize the progression.
Important keys, Eastman said, are staying physically active, managing your weight, protecting your joints, and being mindful of repetitive motions.
“And if you have symptoms, or having trouble moving in the ways you want to move, talk to your health care provider,” she said.
In closing, Davis shared these simple truths about exercise:
- It’s never too late to start.
- Make sure you use good technique and form.
- Keep showing up.
- Start small and play the long game. This is a lifetime habit change.
- Lifestyle change can be hard. Stay with it!