The Health Box Magazine April 2014 | Page 5

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 7 BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING W e often associate strength training with buff individuals who sweat and grunt away at the gym for hours working on their physical appearance. Barry Nguyen who is a physiotherapist and strength and conditioning expert, tells us other reasons why we should all partake in strength training. 1. Increase bone strength - Strength training stresses on your bones leading to increased bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis ('brittle bones'). 2. Weight control - Strength training helps convert fat into lean muscle mass raising your basal metabolic rate. This helps you burn more calories even at rest. 4. Manage chronic disease - Strength training can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic diseases including back and shoulder pain, osteoarthritis, heart failure and diabetes type 5. Improve stamina - Strength training can help you do more physical activities in your daily living without feeling tired and inefficient. 6. Boost your self-esteem - Strength training has been shown in studies to boost your selfconfidence. 7. Improve posture - Strength training can help you move while performing your daily activities in a more relaxed and efficient manner. If you are thinking about doing something about your body, then talk to a physiotherapist or strength and condition expert to prescribe the right exercises for you. But make sure that they are suitably qualified and have access to the right equipment. 3. Improve brain power - Some studies have suggested that strength training can help improve your memory and focus, particularly in older adults. Expert Author: Barry Nguyen Physiotherapist Strength and Conditioning Expert physioeasy.com.au *Prices may change without notice BUY SESSION Skype or Phone $100 / 20mins* bit.ly/1fpy8cW THE HEALTH BOX APRIL 2014 3