Don't you just love it when a girlfriend drops shares a really good tip on a practice that is working well for her?

Me too!  I love these hushed recommendations among best friends.  I recently got a great tip from one of my really good friends, and I wanted to pass it along to you. She said that she kept a kettlebell weight in her bathroom, and used it for bicep curls and tricep curls several times a day. 

The fact that it was sitting on her bathroom counter was a daily reminder to do the exercises.  Also, she said that in addition to her regular routine, she would drop down on her floor 2-3 times a day and do push-ups and squats to get her energy moving. (Yes, she really does that!)

I have added this into my daily routine because, in addition to looking better, strength training is crucial for women as they age. Here are a few reasons why:

It reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

As we age we begin to lose muscle mass. I am sure any of you above the age of 50 have seen this in yourself.  But you can counteract this loss through strength training. In order to rebuild those muscles you will have to do some type of strength training involving your own body weight or dumb bells/ kettle bells. 

Studies have shown that lifting weights regularly can increase bone density and reduce your chance of osteoporosis. If you are anything like me, you will want to be on the preventative side of this. 

Boosts Confidence

Strength training makes you physically stronger. When you are physically stronger you are more independent and confident. There is something nearly primitive about the confidence and self-reliance you feel when you are physically stronger.

Speeds up your metabolism.

Strength training causes your muscles to grow and speeds up your metabolism. A faster metabolism makes you feel better and it will cause your body to burn more calories during the day. 

Ladies, I can't stress this enough.  For your health and wellness, find a way to incorporate strength training into your daily routine. 

I put a 15 lb kettlebell on my bathroom counter and use it for bicep curls and tricep curls 2 to 3 times a day in addition to any other workout. You can buy two 10 or 15 lb weights instead of a kettlebell.

I also do push-ups at least twice a day,10 per set. If you can't do a full push-up, then do it with your knees bent. But just get it in. Push-ups are great for strong arm and chest muscles..

This little nugget of information from my friend has changed me so much that I had to pass it on.

XOXO,

Jan