It’s not uncommon for our patients to be surprised at how much they are capable of lifting, carrying or moving.  At Focus on Health, it’s not uncommon for us to push our patients to do hard things. Whether they are rehabbing an injury or gaining strength in one of our Movement Lab classes, taking on a challenge is often key to seeing necessary change. Our doctors and rehab specialists are there to support this journey and ensure a safe space to push boundaries. While many of our patients see the improvements that they make in their health while working with us, it can be more challenging to see how much they are already doing in their daily lives and how the work they are doing in the clinic directly supports that.

Daily life presents constant challenges which causes wear and tear as time goes on. If we do not fill the things to fill our cup, it is impossible to do so for others. With so many of us striving to show up as best as possible in our relationships it is essential that we take the time to show ourselves that we can do hard things. One of the best ways to show yourself that you can handle heavy things is actually picking them up. 

Lifting weights has numerous benefits; weight management, increased muscle and bone density, hormone regulation, improved joint function and mental health changes. Unfortunately, most people do not meet the recommended amount of time when it comes to strength training. Adding strength training into your routine can aid in many daily activities and can help you feel empowered no matter what the day throws at you. 

Strength training offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are the top 10 benefits:

1. Increased Muscle Mass: Strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass, which can decline with age.

2. Improved Bone Density: It strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

3. Enhanced Metabolic Rate: Increased muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping with weight management.

4. Better Body Composition: It helps reduce body fat while increasing lean muscle, improving overall body composition.

5. Improved Strength and Endurance: Regular strength training enhances overall strength and muscular endurance, making daily tasks easier.

6. Enhanced Joint Health: It supports and strengthens joints, reducing the risk of injuries and improving mobility.

7. Better Posture and Balance: Strengthening muscles, particularly in the core and back, improves posture and balance.

8. Increased Flexibility: Strength training can improve flexibility and range of motion.

9. Boosted Mental Health: Regular exercise, including strength training, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

10. Improved Cardiovascular Health: It can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, benefiting heart health.

Functional fitness centers on movement patterns that are present in daily life, and strengthens muscles to aid in daily activities. We are constantly squatting down to sit, hinging to pick things up, and bracing our core as we carry groceries. Learning how to move more efficiently can reduce aches and pains which improves overall quality of life. In the Movement Lab, we work hard to nail these movement patterns to give you confidence in your day-to-day life. 

In the weeks following we will explore many of the benefits that strength training provides and how it can help improve function. We prove to ourselves that we are capable of handling heavy things physically and emotionally all the time, so continuing to work that muscle (metaphorically and literally) will only make us stronger. 

Stay tuned for the next episode!