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Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

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Here are four ways to turn your fitness weaknesses Into strengths

Number 1:
Weakness: "I always do the same exercises" - If you always stick to the same type of workout, you can end up with muscular imbalances.  In other words, certain muscles get short and tight, while other muscles get long and weak.  And that can lead to injury, not to mention plateaus in your fitness progress.
Make it your strength: To prevent muscle imbalances, it's important to mix things up and vary your workout.  Try doing your favorite exercises on a bosu or stability ball to add instability and engage more muscles.

Number 2:
Weakness: "I don't want to 'bulk up' so I skip strength training" - You're missing out on metabolism-boosting, bone-building benefits of pumping iron.  Don't be afraid of big movements with weights like squats and presses.  You won't look like a body-builder unless you are doing lots of sets and reps and eat like a body-builder.
Make it your strength: Start with light weights that are just two pounds heavier than you normally lift, and only do the amount of reps you can handle while maintaining perfect form.

Number 3:
Weakness: "I'm not a high-intensity person, I'd rather log long, moderate workouts" - Studies have shown that high-intensity training has health benefits, and you tend to get a bigger bang compared to low-intensity long distance exercise.
Make it your strength: Begin with longer intervals (3 minutes on, 3 minutes off).  "Most people are more likely to stick to a regiment that starts with longer time period, lower intensity intervals as compared to high intensity short intervals."

Number 4:
Weakness: "I'm not a runner" - That's okay.  Running is great for your heart but so are many other cardio activities.  The important thing is to get your heart rate up and blood circulating.  
Make it your strength: Pick a cardio activity you really like (cycling, swimming, rowing, hiking) and do it for a prolonged period of time.  If you do want to start running (you signed up for a race with a friend or you really want your own Finisher's Medal), start slow and gradually build up.  Don't do too much too soon, just add 10% to your weekly mileage.  Contact me and I'll give you a Beginner's 5K Training program.
Categories: health fitness