COTA Vic Live Website : Strength training: How, why and where?

Ask yourself the following questions.

Are you over 50?
Would you like to enjoy a more independent and active lifestyle, now and into the future?
Do you want to improve your golf, tennis or bowls game, walk or cycle faster or further?
Would you like to meet other people your own age in a supportive, friendly environment?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you should consider strength training.

What is strength training?

Strength training (or resistance or weight training as it is sometimes called) involves use of weights to build muscle strength and endurance. To be effective, the program must be progressive—as you become stronger, the weights you use should increase.

Why should I do strength training?

Strength training has benefits no matter what your age, but it is particularly important for older people. As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density, resulting in the much of the loss of function we associate with getting older.

But you are never too old to gain muscle strength—and that’s not all you can gain! An appropriate strength training program can also assist you in:

Maintaining (or regaining) your independence and ability to do day-to-day tasks and leisure activities—shopping, playing with the grandchildren, gardening, getting out of chairs and climbing stairs
Improved posture, balance, coordination and flexibility
Feeling better about yourself—improved confidence, self esteem and capacity to enjoy life
Preventing or improving management of chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Managing your weight—the muscle you gain uses much more energy than fat.

What is special about Living Longer Living Stronger™?

Our Living Longer Living Stronger™ partners provide strength training programs specifically designed to meet the needs of older people, including:

Initial and ongoing assessments so your program can be tailored to your specific needs and abilities
Fully qualified and committed instructors
A safe, supportive environment
At least two group sessions a week, at a cost of around $5 per session
An opportunity to socialize over a cup of tea or coffee after each session.

Living Longer Living Stronger™ programs are offered at a range of venues across Victoria, including community health centres, fitness and leisure centres and neighbourhood houses.

How do I find out more?

Check the relevant Living Longer Living Stronger™ centre listing below to find a facility in your area.

For metropolitan centres, click here

For rural and regional centres, click here

Alternatively, call us on 1300 13 50 90 or email askcota@cotavic.org.au for more information.



	Strength training: How, why and where?
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