May Health Blog - Musculoskeletal Health

09:14 AM by Courtney Fitzgerald

Springtime and warmer weather means more time outdoors!

• Riding bikes, taking walks with the family, going to the park
• Camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing
• Gardening, yardwork, cleaning out flower beds

To take full advantage of all the outdoor activities and chores you want to do, make sure you are supplementing your activity by strength training at least 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes. Strength training will help you stay pain free and keep your muscles and joints feeling good from the increased amount of activity.

Strength training has many types and forms including:

• Bodyweight exercises (calisthenics)
• Weight machines (Nautilus® machines)
• Free weights - barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls
• Other equipment - exercise balls, Bosu® balls, resistance bands

All of these types of strength training can be performed exclusively or together in the same workout to achieve your goals and help keep up your active lifestyle.