Are you stuck in an exercise rut, wondering if you’ll ever be able to lift more than your own body weight? Fear not, fellow Gen X-er! We’re here to help you unleash your inner strength with a little bit of yoga and a lot of sass.
First things first: let’s clear up the confusion. Yoga can be a great way to tone and strengthen your muscles, but if you’re dreaming of developing cut muscles, you might want to consider adding some weights to your routine.
But don’t despair, my friend! Yoga can still be a key part of your strength training journey. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Read Class Descriptions – Make like a detective and investigate which yoga classes focus on strength. Vinyasa and Ashtanga are your friends here, as well as power yoga classes.
Increase Repetitions – Challenge yourself by doing more sun salutations and standing poses. Don’t be afraid to push yourself a little.
Hold Poses Longer – Isometric training is a great way to increase resistance and stabilize those joints. So hold that pose for an extra few seconds, or even minutes if you’re feeling brave.
Check Your Form – Start with the basics and make sure you’re doing the poses correctly. No one wants a yoga-related injury, so use props if you need them.
Rest Up – Overworking your muscles is a no-no. Take at least one day off from vigorous activity each week and get some shut-eye.
Eat Well – Nourish your body with whole foods and make sure you’re consuming protein within two hours of working out.
Let’s be real, sometimes you need to mix things up to keep things interesting. Here are a few supplemental activities to add to your routine:
Practice Pilates – Yoga’s cousin is great for firming up your core.
Try CrossFit – For endurance and strength, sign up for this popular exercise class. It’s challenging, but worth it.
Climb a Wall – Indoor climbing facilities are popping up everywhere. It’s a fun way to tone your whole body.
Train to Fight – If you’re already in top shape, try boxing or Mixed Martial Arts.
Buy Resistance Bands – These little gems are great for taking your workout on the road.
Lift Weights – Barbells, dumbbells, and weight machines are tried and true methods for building strength.
Pace Yourself – High intensity interval training is a great way to make any routine more effective.
So there you have it, my friend. Strength training is important for thickening bones, boosting metabolism, and even enhancing mental health. Talk to your doctor about designing a safe program for you and start lifting!
And if you’re ready to join a community of like-minded Gen X-ers who are all about living life to the fullest, join the GenX Gypsies community today. We’re all about experiences, not possessions, and we’d love to have you on board.
