Weight Training (Weight Bearing or Nonweight Bearing)
Weight training may help you:
◆Build strong muscles and bones. You can weight train at home or at a fitness center.
◆Increase the number of calories your body uses.
You do not need benches or bars to begin weight training at home. You can use a pair of hand weights or even two soup cans.
To make sure you are using the correct posture, and that your movements are slow and controlled, you may want to schedule a session with a personal trainer. Ask your health care provider for a referral to a personal trainer. You may need to check with your health insurer about whether this service is covered by your plan.
Weight Training Rule of Thumb
If you cannot lift a weight six times in a row, the weight you are lifting is too heavy. If you can easily lift a weight 15 times in a row, your weight is too light.
If you decide to buy a home gym, check its weight rating (the number of pounds it can support) to make sure it is safe for your size. If you want to join a fitness center where you can use weights, shop around for one where you feel at ease.