Why Lift Weights?

We know that cardiovascular exercises like walking, swimming and biking are great for burning calories and strengthening our hearts, a must for optimal health and fitness. But what about weight training?

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults perform at least one set of strengthening moves at least two or three times per week. We can do this by: using our own body weight, free weights like dumbbells, exercise machines and exercise bands.

Because:

• Muscle boosts our metabolism: Every pound of muscle you build burns about 50 calories more per day (even at rest).
• Become less injury-prone: Strong muscles support our skeletal structure and the natural movements we all need to make on a daily basis.
• Maintain bone mass: The "stress" placed on our bones by stronger muscles encourages our bones to build strength and density, preventing osteoporosis.
• Muscle improves appearance: by changing the basic shape of our bodies, muscle helps mask cellulite by smoothing out those lumps and bumps of fat underneath the skin plus it improves our posture.

If you are not strength training yet, begin today! Innovative health & fitness products are available at: http://www.WomensPersonalFitness.net

Osteoporosis Prevention

Osteoporosis is the slow, progressive loss of bone mass threatening 44 million Americans (80% of those affected are women), which occurs without symptoms or pain until a person's bone starts to break, typically in the hip, spine or wrist.

For stronger, healthier bones, follow these simple prevention strategies:

• Consume enough calcium, 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily, through foods or supplements.
• Don't skip the Vitamin D - 400 to 800 IUs  (Some calcium supplements include Vitamin D right in it).
• Do weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing or weightlifting on a regular basis. Don't forget to check out Body Togs and the Walkvest on my website.
• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber & low fat dairy products.
• Quit smoking! Smoking is a leading risk factor for osteoporosis as well as heart disease, lung cancer and many other life-threatening conditions.
• Limit your alcohol intake to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day.
• Get screened. Bone density screening is fast and painless.  If it is found that you have significant bone loss, medications are available and highly effective in reducing the risk of fracture.

Visit: http://www.WomensPersonalFitness.net for innovative health & fitness products & news.