According to recent research, a fitness routine that lacks strength and flexibility training creates an unbalanced program. After age 20, the research shows the possibility of losing between 4 to 7 pounds of muscle every decade. Scary! So adding strength and flexibility training is a very important piece of your fitness program.

First, adding strength training can come from a variety of sources. Weight training comes up first as the way to build muscle. It truly is recognized as the standard for developing and maintaining muscle mass. However, body weight training can give you measurable results. Exercises such as planks, push-ups as well as squats and leg lifts all count too. Pilates whether on the apparatus or mat class can build and maintain muscle. Bonus with Pilates the flexibility component is built into the program. Creates a win-win balanced program. Yoga is also a great strength as well as flexibility balanced program. The point to remember your muscles need to be stressed to grow. Depending on what your goals are, there are many different ways of reaching them. Finding balance is the key to meeting those goals and doing what is best for you.

Maintaining balance within your body requires strength and flexibility training. For more information about fitness and health, please contact Kay Colgan, Middleburg Pilates and personal training, 14 S Madison Street, Middleburg, Va. or call 540-687-6995.