One-Legged Leg Press

I haven’t worked out with the trainer much in the past 3 months, first due to severe neck pain (not related to the workouts), and then extensive travel.  I’ve still been walking brikly and using the treadmill and elliptical while traveling.

Boy, today kicked my butt!  In 3 months away, I’d loss ~20% of my strength.  I believe that weight lifting / resistance training / strength training, where one works muscles for 4-12 reps to fatigue is crucial for:

• Weight loss
• Better insulin sensitivity (less likely to get diabetes)
• General sense of well being
• Avoiding neck and back injuires
• Increased testosterone levels

Strength training is crucial for women, too!  Do not worry about getting “bulky.”

I’ve actually lost a few lbs in the past 3 months – presumably muscle weight.  This shows that the scale does not tell the entire story, even though I try to weigh myself everyday.

Losing muscle is a terrible thing!  I believe loss of muscle is as big a problem in America today as obesity is – and the two go together.  Work has become less physically demanding.  Few people work on farms these days.  And while I don’t mean to reinforce gender stereotypes, our grandmothers had plenty of opportunity for physical labor around the house.  Now, labor-saving devices reduce physical exertion for housework, as well as on the job.