Feb
5
Strength Training Improves Women’s Ability to Think, Focus and Plan
February 5, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Posted by: Kathleen Daniel
In case you need another incentive to pick up those weights, interesting results from a new study may just tip the balance. Older women who underwent a strength training routine of only 1-2 hours a week scored higher on ‘executive function’ tests for brain processes responsible for planning and executing tasks after one year. This means an improved ability to make decisions, resolve conflicts and to stay focussed without being distracted. Strength training improved these women’s performance by 10-12%, while women who only did balancing and toning exercises experienced a .5% deterioration. Wow! Unfortunately, older women are among the least likely to focus on building strength, even though it’s one of the most important preventive health actions to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, and to counteract muscle loss and strength. To the gym! -the payoffs keep mounting. It’s great to feel strong, light on your feet, not to mention looking great and being able to jump tall buildings in a single bound!
