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(14#) An Unpopular Superhero

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December 24, 2009
	Dr. Gary Huber : Head Medical Ego

Resistance training.  Those two simple words often send women running faster that the words “spring cleaning.” I also see some men beyond a certain age suddenly become allergic to the idea of picking up heavy things. Well folks, I’m here to tell you that good old fashion resistance training has received a face-lift and may look different than you remember but the heart of this age-old exercise ideal is still the same. If you want optimal health and a lean body then you have to sweat and grunt for it. 

People often express that they run or bike and that they do this to “burn off fat.” The reality is that resistance training ultimately burns more fat than aerobic exercise. Your goal is to support and build lean muscle which is metabolically more active. 

In fact a pound of muscle will burn an extra 50 calories a day. Adding muscle to your frame will keep your metabolic rate running faster and is the best way to become resistant to weight gain.

Strong muscles also protect you from injuries and bone fractures. The act of exposing your bones to heavy loads or band resistance places them under stress which results in calcium deposition into the bone. This is THE biggest preventative measure you can employ to avoid osteoporosis. You can swallow all the calcium tablets you want but if your bones don’t get exercised then they will decay. 

Resistance training also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress hormones. Resistance training stimulates muscles to make more lipoprotein lipase enzyme that helps to reduce triglycerides (fats) in your blood stream and protects you from heart disease.

So OK we know that it’s good for us but it sounds boring or too hard. Absolutely untrue. 

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