Louise Fisichella...
Louise Fisichella has studied Comparitive Religions,Yoga, nutrition and health for over 30 years
Yoga Made Weezie
YO-GA-TO-LIFT!
That’s right, you’ve got to lift as well as work on your flexibility to be physically fit. At least according to President Kennedy’s administration as they set out to define what it means to truly be in condition. They determined that fitness must include these three criteria: agility, strength, and endurance. When we do our “Sun Salutation” we get our flexibility and now we want to focus on strength.
Whether I am back-packing, bike riding, or mountain climbing I do better when I am on a weight lifting program. Core strength is essential to any cross training program. I can carry a backpack with greater ease, ride a bike longer and faster, and climb a mountain with more enthusiasm if I am stronger.
You don’t have to belong to a gym, or build up like “the Hulk” to benefit from a simple strengthening program. I work out in my basement in an area that is about 10 foot by 10 foot. And that small area is big enough for two people to work out simultaneously! Several years ago my husband and son bought me a weight bench for Mother’s Day. I had few dumbbells and a couple of simple bars to work with, but no bench. I had been using a chair to perform simple exercises until the bench was added. There is little that can be done in a gym that you cannot reproduce in your own basement. I even devised a “mini-circuit” based on the circuit you would find in the gym.
I literally started out with a book called, “Weightlifting for Dummies” and worked my way up from there. Almost everyone at some point has lifted, but if you are one of those who haven’t tried lifting yet you can enroll at your local community college for a small price. The benefits will certainly outweigh any cost to you or you can hire someone to give you beginner instructions. It is wise to get some kind of guidance even if that means watching one of the many fitness programs on TV that air 24/7. Remember the first rule of being a good Yogi is to not hurt your-self! For those with back problems, old injuries, or just not in very good shape, you might want to see a doctor first.
Generally speaking, a simple weightlifting program would consist of some small weights being lifted several times per week. And for those just starting out you will see an immediate benefit to your strength. For people who haven’t lifted for a while, you too will see fast results. So, give it a try. There is no down side to lifting and getting stronger. Even your everyday life improves when you are physically fit. Opening jars, carrying groceries, lifting children are all everyday tasks that can be made easier if we keep our strength up.
For women at or around the age of menopause, you are losing muscle strength and tone faster than anyone else. So, a simple easy to follow basic lifting program is a must. Not only do you get stronger muscles, but the bone will also improve in strength and the side affects of osteoporosis can be held off indefinitely. Our bones respond to lifting as our muscles do!
Be realistic about what you can accomplish and what resources you have. Remember good health is for life. All that we do today will help us tomorrow, so what are you waiting for? Lets get started on a healthier lifestyle and make the commitment for yourself and your love ones to get stronger. As my brother the marathon runner would say, “What’s your excuse going to be next time?"
As always you can e-mail me and I will help guide you towards more learning and exploration of alternatives to traditional Western eating!
Contact Louise at Go Figure Body Works
E-mail: Louise Fisichella
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