Resistance Exercise is a powerful tool to use in efforts to improve healthy outcomes. When you think about improving your overall fitness, you may primarily think about diet and Aerobic Exercise. Resistance Exercise may prove to be a highly effective addition to your routine.
The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Diabetes Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that a combination of both Aerobic and Resistance exercise may be more beneficial to overall health than either alone.
Benefits of Resistance Exercise include:
- Improved Glucose management
- Weight management
- Improvement in Bone Density
- Prevention of Fractures
- Maintaining Cognitive Health
Examples of Resistance Exercise:
- Free weights
- Weight machines
- Resistance bands
- Kettlebells
- Body-weight exercises (squats, push-ups, etc)
- Water-based exercises
You can find moments throughout your day to fit in resistance exercises, for example: Breaking up seated sedentary time with 10 squats and hovering a few inches higher than your chair seat. Or, do 10 slow wall push-ups while you’re waiting for your meal or snack to heat up.
As with any activity, safety is the number one priority. The Diabetes Education Center and Outpatient Nutrition offer a free 3-month referral to our Union Health Fitness Center, after completing our 2-session Diabetes Education series. For more information or to enroll in our Diabetes Education series, please call Diabetes Education Center and Outpatient Nutrition, at 812-238-7577.