JUST SQUAT & DO IT

I’m a late bloomer — at least when it comes to physical activities. Growing up, I was a chubby, uncoordinated bookworm (picked last for any sport). I didn’t own sneakers and never set foot in a gym until my 30’s.  It wasn’t until I decided to learn how to ski, that I started moving my body.
 
Since then, strength training has been an important part of my life.  At first, I was scared of building muscle. (“I don’t want to get big!”) But in fact, when I lift heavier weights (during ski season) I get leaner & smaller – as long as I pay attention to the quality & quantity of what I eat. Most importantly, I’m stronger this year than ever. PRAYING HANDS to my trainer @mrsuccessfu1 for coaching me this past year.
 
Here’s why MUSCLE & STRENGTH = HEALTH:
 
✅ BETTER METABOLISM. Muscle tissue helps your body regulate blood sugar, metabolism, and hormones.
 
✅ STRONGER BODY. I don’t train for bigger muscles. My goal is to get stronger so I can ski steeper mountains, paddleboard, and avoid getting injured when carrying groceries or lifting luggage.
 
✅ BETTER PHYSIQUE. When I lift more, I get leaner and my clothes fit better, even though I may weigh more. This has to do with fat and glucose metabolism.
 
✅ IMPROVED MOOD. Resistance training has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
 
✅ YOUNGER BRAIN. Training increases the size of your hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for learning and memory.
 
✅ STRONGER BONES. Weight-bearing exercise increases bone density and reduces osteoporosis — especially important for women.
 
🩺 As always, listen to your body and check with your Doctor before beginning a training program if you haven’t been active recently.
 
For more about the benefits of building muscle, Follow Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified, fellowship-trained MD: @drgabriellelyon.