Round Out Your Workout with Stretching and Strength Training

If you exercise regularly, you probably have a solid running, elliptical or stair climber routine to give yourself a good cardio blast. But stretching and strengthening exercises can round out your fitness routine, and have great aesthetic benefits to your body. We asked Meagan Wray, a certified personal training professional at energy Fitness in Paducah, to tell us more. 

What are the benefits of stretching and strengthening exercises, in addition to cardio?

Stretching helps improve flexibility and range of motion, while decreasing risk of injury. It also helps reduce muscle soreness post-workout. Stretching can also help correct posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull areas away from their intended position.

Strength training can raise your metabolic rate. Basically, the more muscle you have, the more fat your body will burn. Besides greater calorie burn, strength training also increases bone density, as well as reduces symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain and depression. It’s also ideal for total body toning.

What types of exercises are helpful?

key components of an exercise plan include strength, balance, flex- ibility and endurance. Squats, lunges, pushups, pull-ups, tricep dips or extensions, bicep curls, shoulder press and back extensions are all effective exercises. Circuit training equipment such as a Strive Circuit will help you achieve maximum total body results in less time. meet with a personal training professional to access your fit- ness level, and develop a customized, well-rounded training plan.

How important is form in doing these exercises?

Proper form is essential to an effective workout, and will reduce your risk for injury. Working with a personal trainer is key to learning proper technique in all forms of exercise.

What changes do people see to their bodies when they incorporate these exercises?

Including these exercises into your workout will help create a total body makeover with improved energy throughout the day. the stronger your body is, the easier it is to accomplish normal daily activities. Your body will also become more toned and look better.

Are the mental effects of strengthening exercises different from cardio?

A good balance of strength and cardio in your workout will improve your overall health, mental wellness and self-esteem. Strength training offers many benefits, including improved memory and body control. It can also help lesson anxiety and chronic fatigue, while improving sleep quality.