One practical reason for strength training

As we get older, we sometimes find that little activities like cleaning up or being on our feet for long periods of time harder than it used to be. This is no surprise to anyone. But there are exercises that you can do to make the everyday chores a little easier.

We use our hands in most everything we do. Whether it is simply picking something up and holding it, or cooking. Your hands like your arms and legs need exercise so it wouldn’t be so hard to open a jar or even open a door. The good thing is there is hand exercises that you can do that wouldn’t take much of your time and you wouldn’t have to buy a lot of expensive equipment.

If you are on your feet during the day or if you occasionally have to pick up things at work, arm exercises will help build your forearms and biceps. There are also exercises that strengthen the shoulder muscles which is vital to lifting.

And of course any lifting needs to have strong legs. Not only for raising your body up but also for balance which can be a concern for older people. A strained back at any age isn’t very fun, so avoid it with some strength exercises.

You will be surprised how a little exercise will help you do things around the house and at work.

Calf Raises

No, you won’t be lifting any small cows. What you will be doing is strengthening your calf muscles. Like many strength exercises, you don’t have to use weights when you start out. All you will need is a wall.

• Stand facing a wall; make sure that you are half an arm’s length from the wall.
• Keep your legs shoulder length apart
• Lean forward so your face is almost touching the wall. Keep your feet where they were at.
• Push up on the balls of your feet then return to your starting position.
• Do this 10 to 15 times

As with any exercise, especially this one make sure that you keep your balance. If you feel dizzy at any time stop, don’t over do it.