Why Now Is The Time To Strength Train

There are plenty of good reasons to include some kind of weight training in your fitness regime, but what’s in it for you? More than you think! Strength training can improve physical performance, movement control, walking speed, functional independence, cognitive abilities, and self-esteem. Plus, it can reduce blood pressure, enhance cardiovascular health, and decrease chances of developing type 2 diabetes.  All of which keeps you living a longer, stronger & more enjoyable life.

Gaining strength also minimizes your chance of getting hurt. “You’ll increase bone density and strengthen the tendons and ligaments, so not only are you simply able to lift more weight, but you’re also building resistance to injury,” explains Michael Boyle, a strength and conditioning coach and functional training expert in Boston. 

Let me put this into perspective, my very own Aunt Lucy who just turned 84 recently fell over whilst putting on a pair of jeans. She broke her hip as a result of the fall! Lucy has always been physically active running her own business (a florist shop) but had never done any kind of specific strength training. Her bones are now so weak and brittle that she suffers from a condition known as osteoporosis. Performing every-day tasks for Lucy such as dressing herself has literally become dangerous. ​

According to Dr Matt Chamberlain, a sports physician and doctor in Melbourne, “Sarcopaenia, the term for loss of skeletal muscle associated with ageing, begins at around the age of 30 and [your muscle mass] slowly begins to decline.”

He explains, good muscle tone is crucial, “ageing is associated with a decline in muscle mass and bone density, and an increase in body fat, and these are part of the reason for loss of physical function, increased falls and loss of mobility” (which brings us back to  Aunt Lucy).

“But I don’t have time! Is it even worth it to strength train only one or two times a week?”
 
Your health is your most valuable asset and it’s important to take a little time out to look after yourself now so you’ll thank yourself in the future.

Rebecca Golian, personal trainer at Chelsea Piers in New York City says “for the average person, strength training once or twice a week is enough to break the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle; it’s enough to stimulate muscle growth, increase cardiovascular strength, and help improve endurance.” 

Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine physician and author of running strong agrees, “full-body functional strength training can be super effective once or twice a week; it helps your muscles get stronger, improves your balance, and preserves your fast-twitch muscle fibres, allowing your muscles to contract faster.”

Make the Most of a Limited Training Schedule: How Pole Dancing Can Help

Doing something is better than doing nothing, training expert Boyle says, who recommends doing a total-body functional workout.  However we know how hard it can be to stay motivated with traditional forms of exercise. Add to that the continual fast-paced speed of today’s modern lifestyle that leaves many of us time poor. It’s no wonder that so many people who want to exercise just don’t get around to it.

And this is why Pole Dancing ticks so many boxes. Pole Dancing has components of weight bearing, resistance and aerobic activity. No part of the body is overlooked. You constantly lift your own body and move it into various skills and combinations. It is an ideal sport for gaining and maintaining muscle tone, something that many people, especially women, struggle to attain.

Besides all the incredible physical and psychological benefits pole dancing delivers, there is one other major draw card; it’s not boring! It happens to be a really fun way to bring a little sexy back into your life! Students see notable improvement in their strength and toning attending a one hour class per week, and those who can squeeze in an extra session see even more. That’s only 2 hours of exercise in an entire week!
 
Would you like to start your weekly strength training sessions now and experience the benefits that Pole has to offer without having to commit to an entire 10-week course? To get you swinging, we've put together a 5-week intensive intro course special offer below. 

To your health and well-being,

Jennifer Grace
xox

Join our PoleFit Intro Intensive for Beginners starting Monday 24 April

POLEFIT INTRO INTENSIVE SPECIAL OFFER

Our PoleFit Intro Intensive is a fun, 5 week course designed for Beginner students. Improve strength, flexibility and co-ordination as we take you through the core foundation beginner skills and a mini dance routine. After completing this course, students can continue in the Level 1 program or if really confident, step it up in Level 2!

COST: $160  |   CLASS DURATION: 1 hour   |   CLASS LENGTH: 5 weeks   |   SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
STARTS: Monday 24 April, 8.15pm & Saturday 24 April, 3.15pm