When I started my journey as a personal trainer I was 57 years old. I am now just 61 and I feel stronger both mentally and physically than I have ever felt before Why do I feel so positive? I have been training for many years doing various different types of exercise including aerobics, running (I have completed several half marathons and 10k’s) and playing rugby for my local team. Of all the training I have done, strength training has proved to be the most beneficial. I started with kettlebells around 10 years ago at the age of 50 and have since gone on to take part in competitive deadlifting achieving the BDFPA world record for my age and weight. I also lost 2 stone in weight and have been able to maintain a healthy weight since. That being said, all exercise is really good for you whether it be a short walk or 2 hours in the gym.
I do believe that ‘women of a certain age’ are very much overlooked as far as training is concerned. The gym can be a very difficult place being full of perfectly toned young people showing off their prowess.
So, why should we embark on such training even if we haven’t done it before? The benefits are massive.
When we reach the menopause, our bone density reduces as estrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones, decreases sharply, which can lead to a loss of bone density. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause. Strength training helps to increase bone density and thus protect against osteoporosis. As well as a loss of bone density, we lose muscle mass. This is called sarcopenia. The best way to treat this is exercise, and more specifically strength training.
If you are worried that you will end up looking a bit like the Hulk let me put your mind at rest. We certainly don’t have the hormones to build that level of muscle but it is important to maintain as much muscle as possible and thus lose fat both with the correct exercise and with good eating habits. I can help with both.
Benefits of Kettlebell Exercises
There are tons of awesome benefits that come from doing kettlebell exercises. Kettlebells are known to improve overall strength, core power, balance, flexibility, and coordination while also reducing fat and producing healthy and lean muscles. The off set centre of gravity of the kettlebell means that any kettlebell exercises need strict and controlled body form and body mechanics. Here are a few other benefits of including kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine:
- Combines Strength and Cardio – Perform exercises that combine strength, cardio, and flexibility training.
- Improves Functional Strength – Targets multiple muscle groups that help with everyday tasks and daily life.
- Compact and Portable – Only need one or two to train your entire body and are easy to store away.
- Fun Workouts – Kettlebell exercises offer a wide range of movements that target every muscle group for a total body workout.
Personally, I love strength training. It has helped me to stay strong and positive both physically and mentally as well as helping me to maintain and healthy weight. Most of all I have had the best time and met some amazing and inspiring people through my journey.
If you would like to see how I could help you in the same way then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Linda
