Importance of Strength Training for Women
Even if you don’t need to lose weight, you might not be physically fit. Bone density and heart health are just two concerns that are particularly important for women, regardless of their relationship with the scale. And the kind of strength training offered by Curves provides weight-bearing exercise for strong bones and cardio for a healthy heart.
Bone strength and density
After menopause, women can lose up to two percent of their bone mass each year. When you consider that many women live well into their 80s, that loss can be crippling. A study by Tufts University1 showed that “strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk for fractures among women aged 50-70.”
But what if you’re only in your 30s or 40s? You’ve got plenty of time to worry about bone health, right? Not really. Young women who exercise regularly achieve “greater peak bone mass”2 than those who do not; that peak generally occurs when you’re in your 30s.
What kind of exercise strengthens bones?
Weight-bearing exercise, or that which causes you to work against gravity, and resistance training, are the best kinds of exercise for strengthening your bones. Examples of weight-bearing exercises are weight lifting, climbing stairs and dancing. The Curves circuit is full of these types of exercises, which are all completed in just 30 minutes.
Exercising for a healthy heart
Exercise can improve and maintain heart health in many ways. Perhaps the most obvious is that it helps us maintain a healthy weight. But it can also help lower our cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are important for a healthy heart.
The American Heart Association tells us that being physically active is paramount in preventing heart disease. In fact, they recommend “at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days per week3 for a total of 150 minutes.” This is exactly the kind of workout that Curves circuit training can provide.
Staying fit is vital to living a long and happy life. But doing so doesn’t have to dominate your lifestyle. Just 30 minutes a day is all it takes to make health a priority in your life.
The Curves Circuit produces some pretty powerful cardiovascular results, so work your muscle for the most important muscle in your body—your heart. For more information on the benefits of the Curves Circuit, visit ‘Why Curves’.
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