Lift Weights!

Most people know about Jack LaLanne, world-famous fitness guru and nutritional expert. Did you know that he was a chiropractor? It is true. His passion for natural health led him to study human anatomy and to get his degree in the best holistic health philosophy that he knew of: chiropractic. He was a pioneer for many things in natural health, including weight lifting for the regular person. Jack LaLanne advocated for seniors practicing weight lifting. Considering that he lived to be 96 years old and was still in great shape, I would say one could do worse than follow his ideas.

Basic weight lifting is an excellent idea for everyone. Here are just a few reasons to start weight lifting. Gently stressing the bones with weight triggers a natural mechanism inside your body that strengthens them, actually laying down more calcium. Weight lifting builds healthy muscle mass that burns fat even when you are not exercising. Weight lifting in conjunction with chiropractic care helps posture and spinal alignment, which leads to better bodily function and less pain.

You do not have to spend much money on a weight lifting routine; in fact, you can spend zero money to get started. Find some cans of food at home and do some basic curls and butterfly exercises with them. Use your own body weight to do push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. If you decide you need someone to help you get used to lifting weights, go ahead and spend a little money on a gym membership or home DVD and hand weights. Investing in this preventative and maintenance health care will save you thousands down the road in catch-up health care. 

Whatever you do, get a routine going. Your body thrives on schedules. You will notice that you sleep better, have better metabolism and happier moods, and get sick less often if you keep a regular exercise schedule. Do you have pain between the shoulder blades? Bend at the waist, “chicken wing” your arms with your elbows out to the sides, and pinch your shoulder blades together while holding 3 to 5 pound weights. Do you have stress headaches? Stand straight and shrug your shoulders up and down while holding light weights. Come up with a routine that works opposing muscles like low back and abdominal muscles, or biceps and triceps in your arms. 

Lifting weights is a relatively cheap, simple lifestyle change that can make you healthier and happier. Make 2012 the year that you decide to take your health into your own hands by picking up some weights.