Why is Strength Training so important especially as we age?

Miriam Nelson, PhD at Tufts University and author of numerous books including Strong Women Strong Bones has evidence based research to answer that question.

If you take a cross section of the thigh of an active 23 year old female, muscle makes up 90% of the thigh. The thigh of a sedentary 68 year old has only 50-60% muscle. We loose muscle mass if we don’t use it. Strength Training allows you to build back or at least maintain muscle mass.

Bone loss is another issue for woman as they age. Bone density gradually begins to decrease, especially after menopause. To combat this bone loss women can and should perform weight bearing exercise such as walking and strength training. These sorts of activities have been shown to maintain and even increase bone density.

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones starts to wear away. Bony surfaces are exposed to one another, resulting in pain and stiffness within that particular joint. Through Strength Training and stretching, not only can some of this discomfort be eliminated but muscular strength and joint mobility can also be improved.

I hope to offer Growing Stronger again this fall if there is enough interest. Please email or call me if interested: mjhallberg33@msn.com or 651-699-1378 ext 3031.

Summer Programs Updates

I am encouraged by the number of people taking part in the many opportunities to care for themselves in body, mind and spirit so far this summer!

We have a large and loyal group of Monday Morning Walkers. We have been blessed with perfect weather EVERY Monday so far this summer! We have had some lively conversations about the book Surprises Around the Bend: 50 Adventurous Walkers by Richard Hasler. We’ve discussed people from Gandhi to C.S Lewis! It’s not too late to join us for the month of August! We meet at the church parking lot on Mondays through the month of August at 8:00AM, carpool down to the river and walk for about 45 minutes. All ages and abilities are welcome! Then we head to a local coffee shop for our lively discussions. Please join us!

If you walk through the Gathering Place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings you have seen many of us Growing Stronger! We have a large class of women who have been weight training all summer long. I have been impressed with their work ethic and how many more pounds they can lift since the class first began!! Interested in a Growing Stronger Class in the fall? Contact me ASAP. We will offer a class if there is enough interest.

Yoga Devotion also continues to have a large group of dedicated participants. The current summer class has over 20 people! Be watching for Fall Class Registration!

Can’t make any of the classes offered? It’s not too late to participate in the Self-Guided Summer Walking Program. Pick up a pink packet from the Parish Nurse pamphlet rack, attach a pedometer and walk the month of August!