inter’s here and don’t we know it! cold mornings and nights make it too easy to stay in and let our regular exercise take a break. Your toned summer body starts with hard work now!

Come spring we’re feeling a bit fluffy around the edges and ready to get back into our routine, the sneakers are dusted off and away we go. The joints are a bit stiff and you’re out of breath before you’ve made it past the end of the street. It’s now you wish you’d kept up the exercise through winter.

What can you do to keep up with exercise during the cooler months?

There are many options including working out in the comfort of your own home or joining a gym to help keep you fighting fit.  Adding strength training to the mix, instead of being too focused on the usual cardio workout, will have you reaping the rewards for years to come.

Strength training is not a new thing, however many people, women in particular, tend to shy away from it, thinking it’s only for the hard core gym goers. There have been many studies into the benefits of strength training in its varied forms with outstanding results on its benefits, not only to your physical health, but the flow on affect it also has on your mental health.

Strength Training – an investment in your future!

• Improved muscle strength and tone helps prevent injury (when the exercises are preformed correctly) and increases your balance, flexibility and coordination
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in women. As women age hormonal changes result in the natural loss of bone density, hence increasing the chance of developing osteoporosis. Strength training can help bone strength and slow bone deterioration later in life
• Helps prevent rolling over on your ankles; very important if you play sports like netball, dance, football etc
• Leads to increased muscle mass to fat ratio, allowing your body to burn calories more efficiently and resulting in healthy weight loss and maintenance
• Helps with aches and pain in your back, legs and feet
• Can result in a better night’s sleep
• Can increase your self-esteem

Getting Started

If you’re new to strength training, or even just gym workouts, or if you’ve had injuries in the past, it is always advisable to speak to a health professional first so to get a clear picture how to get strong without risking injury. Most health professionals will work in with your personal trainer, exercise physiologist or gym instructor to ensure you get the best outcome.

At Total Care Podiatry we have musculoskeletal podiatry and physiotherapy expertise in assessing your individual risk of musculoskeletal injury that may occur in taking up strength training.

We’ll work with you and your personal trainer so you’re able to reach your exercise goals with the least risk of injury.

Book online or call Total Care Podiatry on 5223 1531.

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WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.