Departments : Keeping Fit :
Weight Lifting
By Jeffrey Crupi
Boosting your metabolism and strengthening your bones and muscles are just some of the benefits of lifting weights
All you need for a seated tricep extension is a couple of good books!
There are many benefits to training with weights. Lifting weights on a regular basis can help you to boost your metabolism, feel better about yourself, prevent injuries and ensure that your bones remain strong.
Burn calories faster
Your metabolism is determined by the number of calories you burn during the course of the day. One way to increase your metabolism is to lift weights. The more muscle you have in your body means an increase in your metabolic rate. This will ultimately help you burn calories faster. Weight-resistant training will firm, build and shape your muscles and give your body a healthier and leaner look.
It's also possible to prevent injuries by lifting weights. Training with weights will strengthen your muscles, thus making you less prone to injuries that can occur in the classroom or out on the playground. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, try to complete a full-body weight lifting routine. Your routine should include a minimum of one exercise per body part. By engaging in a weekly weight regimen, you'll be able to increase your bodily strength and balancing capabilities. This will assist you with playing sports with your class and all of the up and down and constant movement that occurs within the classroom.
Weight training exercises
On the days when you don't have time to go to the gym or if you prefer exercising at home, consider doing the exercises below at home or in your classroom. To complete these exercises, you will need dumbbells, books or soup cans. All the exercises listed below are described in detail in the October 2003 issue of Teaching K-8.
Chest – Push-ups
Back – Seated Bent-Over Row
Shoulder – Seated Shoulder Press
Bicep – Seated Bicep Curl
Tricep – Seated Tricep Extension
Legs – Plié/ Squat
Calves – Seated Calf Raises
Abdominals – Crunches
By engaging in weight training exercise, you'll be able to boost your metabolism, increase muscle density, prevent injuries and delay the onset of osteoporosis. This will certainly get you on the path to a stronger and healthier body. Have fun and be well!
Jeffrey Crupi is the owner of Peak Fitness Gym in Westport, CT. He is a certified fitness specialist with a degree from Marymount Manhattan College.
