The Health Benefits of Strength Training

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Strength training is exercise that uses weights or resistance to strengthen and enhance a muscle’s ability to contract and do work.  Below are some of the numerous health benefits of strength training.

1.   Strength training plays a key role in body composition and weight management.  Simply put, strength training burns calories, improves body composition by building lean muscle tissue, and thereby reduces fat stores in the body.

2.  Strength training reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Heart disease risk is lower when the body is leaner and less fat.  Other associated benefits include decreased cholesterol levels and lowered resting blood pressure.  Strength training will also help improve glucose metabolism.  Poor glucose metabolism is strongly associated with adult onset diabetes.

3.    Strength training stimulates bone mineral density development and reduces the rate of bone loss.  This is crucial at younger ages for maximizing bone density.  It is also important in older individuals looking to prevent or slow down the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis as it decreases the likelihood of fractures and morbidity related to fractures.

4.  Building muscle through strength training is helpful for recovering from and preventing injury as it helps improve overall strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility, balance and coordination.

 

5.   Strength training can be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis.  Studies in older men and women with moderate to severe arthritis have shown that a strength training program can help general physical performance with everyday activities, and improve clinical signs and symptoms of the disease resulting in decreased pain and disability.

Below are some useful tips that can help individuals get safely started on a strength training program:

·     Strength training exercises can be accomplished with conventional weight-training equipment, hand-held "free weights", and resistance bands/tubing.  An individual can also use their own body weight while performing push-ups, pull-ups, dips, stair climbing, lunges, and wall squats.

·       Modest benefits from strength training can be seen with two to three training sessions a week lasting just 15 to 20 minutes each.  A resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 8 to 12 repetitions is sufficient.  When you can easily do 12 or more repetitions of a certain exercise, increase the weight or resistance.  Rest at least one full day between exercising each specific muscle group.

·    Always perform strength training in a safe manner with proper technique and stop if you feel pain.  Although mild muscle soreness is normal, sharp pain and sore or swollen joints are signs that you’ve overdone it and that your program/activity needs to be modified.

A lifetime of regular strength training exercise is ideal, but it is never too late to start!  If you are over 35, have been sedentary for some time, or have a specific health condition or limitation, consult with a knowledgeable health care provider before beginning any new exercise program.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

The Health Benefits Of Strength Training

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Strength training is exercise that uses weights or resistance to strengthen and enhance a muscle’s ability to contract and do work.  Below are some of the numerous health benefits of strength training.

1.   Strength training plays a key role in body composition and weight management.  Simply put, strength training burns calories, improves body composition by building lean muscle tissue, and thereby reduces fat stores in the body.

2.  Strength training reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Heart disease risk is lower when the body is leaner and less fat.  Other associated benefits include decreased cholesterol levels and lowered resting blood pressure.  Strength training will also help improve glucose metabolism.  Poor glucose metabolism is strongly associated with adult onset diabetes.

3.  Strength training stimulates bone mineral density development and reduces the rate of bone loss.  This is crucial at younger ages for maximizing bone density.  It is also important in older individuals looking to prevent or slow down the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis as it decreases the likelihood of fractures and morbidity related to fractures.

4.    Building muscle through strength training is helpful for recovering from and preventing injury as it helps improve overall strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility, balance and coordination.

 

5.    Strength training can be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis.  Studies in older men and women with moderate to severe arthritis have shown that a strength training program can help general physical performance with everyday activities, and improve clinical signs and symptoms of the disease resulting in decreased pain and disability.

Below are some useful tips that can help individuals get safely started on a strength training program:

·     Strength training exercises can be accomplished with conventional weight-training equipment, hand-held "free weights", and resistance bands/tubing.  An individual can also use their own body weight while performing push-ups, pull-ups, dips, stair climbing, lunges, and wall squats.

·      Modest benefits from strength training can be seen with two to three training sessions a week lasting just 15 to 20 minutes each.  A resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 8 to 12 repetitions is sufficient.  When you can easily do 12 or more repetitions of a certain exercise, increase the weight or resistance.  Rest at least one full day between exercising each specific muscle group.

·     Always perform strength training in a safe manner with proper technique and stop if you feel pain.  Although mild muscle soreness is normal, sharp pain and sore or swollen joints are signs that you’ve overdone it and that your program/activity needs to be modified.

A lifetime of regular strength training exercise is ideal, but it is never too late to start!  If you are over 35, have been sedentary for some time, or have a specific health condition or limitation, consult with a knowledgeable health care provider before beginning any new exercise program.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Preparation And Conditioning For Skiing And Hockey

Canadian Chiropractic Association

 

Winter can be a splendid and enjoyable time of year, especially if you love winter sports like
downhill skiing and hockey. These Canadian favourites are enjoyed by many during the winter months, but do pose some risks to your muscles and joints if you are not adequately prepared.

 

Commonly, muscles that work to internally rotate the hips are activated and engaged during skiing – key for maintaining balance and coordination¹. A great way to condition the body and build muscle memory for skiing is to practice your technique with the use of balance boards, in-line skates, or sports that require quick movements and changes of direction. Another important aspect to skiing is the need for endurance and stamina. Interval training is a great tool to build endurance, where you maximize your input for short bouts of time. The gains made through interval training can translate into meaningful improvements to your overall endurance²; however, as with all activities, progression is key.

 

Another great winter activity is our beloved hockey. Hockey involves a combination of endurance and explosive activity, which requires the body to be conditioned aerobically and for muscular strength³. For example, skating for long durations can serve as great aerobic practice; whereas exercises such as short sprints, box jumps and TABATAs will help build anaerobic capacity, as well as your ability to do the aggressive bursts required for the sport.

 

If you are an avid skier or hockey player, now is the time to start preparing your body for the season. Here are some general tips to help prevent injury:

 

Maximize Joint and Muscle Function

With sports like skiing and hockey, maintaining good muscle and joint range of motion is important. Building mobility is key to preventing injuries. Your chiropractor can help you improve your joint and muscle function, as well as provide some guidance on how to best increase your mobility safely based on your individual goals and needs. The earlier you start, the better prepared you will be.

 

Warm-Up and Stretch

Prior to hitting the ice or the hills, it is always advisable to warm-up. Start with gentle activities such as walking or skating to increase the blood flow to your muscles. You may also want to do gentle stretches before you play to help prevent injuries. Better yet, consider working on your overall mobility before the season begins to enhance your athleticism and improve your performance. You can use the Straighten Up Canada app to help you move during the day, or you can try our hockey stretches, which you can also apply to skiing as well.

 

Check Your Equipment

You should always ensure that your equipment fits and is in good working condition before you begin the season. Your equipment supports and protects your body from injury while you enjoy your favorite activities. If you need to buy new equipment for the season, ask a professional to help you find the best equipment for your needs.

 

Brush Up on Your Technique – Take a Lesson if Necessary

Bad habits or poor technique in any sport can increase the risk of injury. Agility and technique can greatly enhance your performance in winter sports like hockey and skiing, so it’s extra important to spend time learning new skills. Even avid skiers and hockey players take the time to practice skills and drills before they start playing and competing. Consider lessons with a professional to refine, practice or even learn new technique before you begin the season.

 

Your healthcare team including your chiropractor, can also help you prepare for your winter sports. Meet with them to discuss the sports you’ll be participating in this winter to make sure your body is ready and for strategies to decrease the risk of injury.

1. The Ultimate-Ski.com, Get ready for Skiing,

2.  Troy Flanagan, Base training and injury prevention for Skiing, https://ussa.org/sites/default/files/documents/athletics/alpine/2011-12/documents/BaseTraining.pdf.

3. Sports Fitness Advisor, http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/ice-hockey-training.html

Chiropractic Care to Treat & Prevent Sports Injuries

Canadian Chiropractic Association

 

Often we hear of professional athletes suffering a traumatic, possibly career ending, injury. The public debate on whether or not they can resume play can go on for weeks. However, it isn’t only the professionals that sustain injuries while practising the sport they love. Weekend warriors, amateur athletes and those living active lives also run the risk of getting hurt. Most of the time, with a proper warm up, awareness to form and appropriate equipment, athletes of all stripes are able to play safely. Yet, injuries can happen when you least expect it due to an accident or even an underlying condition that may necessitate treatment.

 

According to Statistics Canada, a 2010 community health survey showed that 66% of adolescent injuries were related to sports. Also, among working-age adults, sports and work were the main source of injuries (47%).

 

How Do Sports Injuries Happen?

Sports and exercise are great ways to keep healthy, but there are often risks involved. Most often, excessive training, inappropriate training methods or perilous exercise equipment can be a cause of injury, but structural abnormalities and muscle imbalances/weakness can also be culprits leading to injury, including the ankles, knees, elbows, shoulder or spine.

 

Commonly, sports injuries are caused by traumatic force to a joint in motion causing hyperextension or hyperflexion. One such injury is a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament which results from a quick deceleration, hyperextension or rotation of the knee joint that may or may not involve contact with another person. Such injury, and others, may cause significant pain and debilitation taking you away from the sports that you enjoy. Chiropractors, as MSK experts, can help prevent and manage sports-related injuries. Click here to explore specific sports injuries treated by chiropractors.

 

Chiropractic Treatment for Sports Injuries

In Canada, chiropractic has a long and vibrant history of treating recreational and professional athletes. To further their expertise in treating sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance, Doctors of Chiropractic can complete a two-year post-graduate residency program or Master’s that will enable them, upon successful completion of the exam, to qualify for the sports specialists (CCSS) from the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Medicine.

 

Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and manage sports-related injuries as part of their core competencies. In fact, through a comprehensive history and physical examination, chiropractors can help determine the cause of pain and dysfunction as well as recommend an appropriate plan of management. Conservative care offered by chiropractors, dependent on the injury and mechanism, may include joint manipulation and mobilisation, soft tissue therapies, adjunct modalities, rehabilitation and individualized exercises and lifestyle advice to restore proper function, enhance healing of damaged tissue and reduce pain. Chiropractors can also help, in partnership, determine the best strategy to return to play.

 

Preventing Sports Injuries

Injury prevention is key. Before starting a new exercise program or sport, visit your chiropractor to determine what measures can be taken to prevent injury or enhance performance. Click here to find a chiropractor near you.

Tobogganing Safety

Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA)

 

The thrill of flying down the hill on a sled or toboggan requires no training, but it can still cause pain and injury for sledders who aren’t careful.  Follow these tips to help keep yourself safe this season.

 

Before you ride

• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen and sun glasses.
• Dress properly and in layers for the weather.
• Select a hill with plenty of room to stop.
• Helmets are strongly advised.

 

Tips

• Always sit or kneel facing forward.
• Keep your hands, arms and legs inside the sled to prevent injury.
• Remember to tuck in strings, straps and long toques.  Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf.
• Wait until the path is clear before starting down the hill.
• Quickly get out of the way when you reach the bottom.
• Roll off to the side if you have to get off in a hurry.  Do not use your hands or feet to try and stop the sled.

 

Avoid

• Overcrowding a toboggan with too many riders.
• Going downhill head first (no lying down).
• Attempting to stop the toboggan with your hands and feet if you lose control.

 

Treating injuries

• If injured, remember to PRICE — Protection Rest Ice Compression Elevation.  Do not apply heat such as a heating pad or hot tub for at least the first three days following the injury.

 

The majority of injuries from sledding are the result of collisions with objects or people.  Most common are head injuries followed by upper and lower limb injury.  To help speed your recovery, see a chiropractor or other health care professional as soon as possible if you are injured.