You don't have to be afraid of lifting heavy weights, but that's not the only way to get stronger. A weight lifting program using light weights is an excellent way to build up the strength of your core (a.k.a.midsection) to give you a solid, steady foundation. I often say it makes you feel as if your abdominal and back muscles are going from limp wet noodles to sturdy two-by-fours.
The benefits of increased core strength are no joke.
Stable core muscles make it easier to maintain proper posture as you go about your day and protect your body through sudden movement changes. They also enable you to shift direction quickly, as when avoiding a crack in the sidewalk that might cause you to trip. And if you do start to fall, having a strong core will make you more likely to stabilize yourself and regain your footing fast.
Plus, there are many other benefits to light weight training: improving bone density, supporting heart health, boosting mood, and reducing risk of injury, to name a few.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Take a Breather - Follow along to increase your peace.
With so much hustle and bustle packed into just a couple of short months, this time of year can feel overwhelming-but you can tame the pandemonium and focus on joy with a little bit of quiet "me time" spent meditating. "Taking a few moments to ground yourself, find your center, and reconnect with the present can make all the difference in calming the chaos," says Lindsey Benoit O'Connell, a certified meditation teacher and founder of The LAB Wellness. We asked her to write a quick guided meditation just for you.
Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs
Upgrade your morning with this flavor-packed, fuss-free meal.
BEST SNACKS for People With Diabetes
WORRIED THAT YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET YOUR SNACK ON WHILE MANAGING DIABETES?
5 Best GLUCOSE METERS
WHETHER YOU ARE PREDIAIBETIC OR HAVE TYPE 2 OR TYPE 1 DIABETES, maintaining steady blood glucose levels is key to feeling your best.
Your Diabetes QUESTIONS, Answered
DIABETES IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC ILLNESSES IN THE COUNTRY, with nearly 15% of adults dealing with some form of the disease.
MY DIAGNOSIS I Knew My Chest Pains Weren't Normal
ER doctors sent her home several timesuntil she nearly died.
Kitchen Mishaps 101
Expert tips for dealing with accidents and how to stay safe
HINKING DRINKING
It turns out that what we thought we knew about the health benefits of a daily tipple might have come from skunked science. Here's a fresh look, without the beer goggles.
MEET THE EXPERTS Nerding Out on Nutrition
A registered dietitian discusses how good food makes good health possible.
5 MYTHS ABOUT VAGINAS
Let's clear up a few persistent (and shameinducing) ideas about grooming, scent, and more.