You’ve heard it before – “Healthy body, healthy mind.” You know you should be doing some resistance training to keep your bone density and muscle. But do you know how important it is to do regularly for a range of health benefits?
Improved Bone Health
We mentioned it above and you’ve heard it before osteoporosis; a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. Resistance training, the type you do in every session at CrossFit involves weight-bearing exercises that helps improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that high-intensity weightlifting exercises such as those used in CrossFit training were effective at improving bone health in middle-aged adults.
Lowered Risk of Chronic Diseases
2. Way too prevalent and increasing… chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Middle-aged adults are at an increased risk of developing these conditions, BUT (and here’s the good news) there is a tonne of research proving regular exercise can help lower that risk. A study published in the Journal of Fitness Research found that CrossFit training improved markers of cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged adults.
Improved Joint Health
Did you know a healthy bone is one that flexes? As we age, our joints can become stiff and less flexible, making it harder to move and exercise. Particularly weight barring training can help improve joint health as well as mobility. incorporating a variety of movements that target different muscle groups and joints throughout the week can make a noticeable difference!. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that CrossFit training was associated with improved joint mobility and reduced joint pain in middle-aged adults.
Improved Brain Health
More pink and grey please! High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has also been shown to improve brain health in middle-aged adults. Regular exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed. The Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that CrossFit training was associated with improved cognitive function in middle-aged adults.
So if you’ve been waking up stiff, forgetting where you put your keys, feeling a little slow or find yourself breathing heavy after a flight of stairs how about giving some strength and HIIT training a go? It is a challenging but effective way to improve overall fitness and maintain health as we age. If you’re 35-50 starting a program, even a couple times per week can make a real difference. Imagine how 1 month of consistent exercise and strength training might make you feel? Could it help increase your energy in the day? Get ride of those aches and pains? bring back some of that lost confidence?
If you’re wondering about any of this, you can book a free consult. What have you got to lose? Book a No-Sweat intro with us so we can show you how we can help.