Forget the flowers, fragrances and chocolates …this year give your Mom a very special gift that keeps on giving. No, I’m definitely not talking about a subscription to the “jelly or cupcake of the month” club either!
Give her the gift of longevity, vitality and strength- send your Mom to Muscle Camp! I know you are chuckling and shaking your head the wrong way (from side to side) instantly dismissing this suggestion. Definitely not My Mom, you are probably saying!
Great if your Mom already leads an active life, power walks or does aqua aerobics several times per week like my mom, but all exercises are not created equally. Weight lifting might be the last thing you imagine for your own mom, but here are a few compelling reasons why it is the perfect fit for her!
Bone Density – My Mom has been shrinking and that is a fact, unfortunately I am referring to her height. Most women of a certain age are on high alert for osteoporosis and have their bone density measured regularly. Research shows that weight bearing exercises benefit bone density and can reduce the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. A walk in the park isn’t gonna do it! (Here’s a great article about Osteoporosis & strength training on stumptuous.)
Posture- Years of hard work have taken their toll on your poor Mother! It’s never too late for her to learn how to move and engage muscles correctly, which is the foundation of weight training. Good news too that there is an extra benefit of spending so much time in front of the gym mirrors focused on posture and alignment with barbell in hand. This renewed sense of body awareness will no doubt stick with your Mom throughout the day, and the posture “autocorrect” will be switched on so you won’t have to remind your Mom as she used to do to you, “Stand up straight, no slouching!” [click to continue…]
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Are you up for it? Here’s a checklist…
