If you are over the age of sixty I am sure you have seen your physician for some ache or pain you have noticed slowly growing in your neck back or other joint. An x-ray is performed and you are diagnosed with arthritis. If your complaint is at your hip or shoulder a cursory evaluation may provide you the diagnosis of bursitis or tendonitis. With the diagnosis in hand an anti-inflammatory is prescribed and you are told this should resolve the problem.

Put The Curves Back Where They Belong

In my twelve-year career as a physical therapist and personal trainer, I am still amazed about the lack of understanding women have regarding strength training. Women are still not aware that strength training builds muscles that result in a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. This causes the body to increase its fat burning to create the energy necessary for the increased metabolic rate. This is the missing component to every diet regiment. Without this, dieting alone will not work. Then there are the fears that if I do work out, I am going to get big and muscular like a man. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Women are not aware that strength training can build bone density. It is not necessary for postmenopausal women to take hormone replacement therapy to prevent hip fractures and other bone abnormalities. Strength training affects every part of the body besides the muscular system including the cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, gastrointestinal system, immune system and even affects your brain chemistry. 

As a physical therapist and fitness enthusiast, I am often asked questions regarding the best ways to maintain and achieve proper fitness. Recently, I was queried about the 30 minute workout facilities that have sprung up on every corner of every city boasting that this is the most efficient way to gain strength and lose weight. The target for this claim has been women. To my surprise, some inventive individuals have decided to now target men with locations specially designed for men. The whole catch to these facilities is that you need only 30 minutes to complete a full body workout.