Weight Training to Better Blood Glucose Results
Control your blood glucose and burn calories! Weight training and
exercise can do all that and more—like increase your insulin
sensitivity, decrease back pain, even improve your confidence. So why
aren’t you doing it?
The Benefits
Weight training may seem like the domain of young, athletic men, but
it’s good for anyone. Why do you think those guys are so fit? In fact,
studies show that combining weight training and aerobic exercise is the
best possible workout for people with diabetes.
Without exercise, you could lose five to seven pounds of lean muscle
mass every 10 years of your adult life. Start building that muscle back
with weight training for:
* A faster metabolism, which helps control weight by burning more
calories—even at rest
* Increased insulin sensitivity, which helps control blood glucose
* Increased ligament and tendon strength, which places less stress
on your joints and eases back pain
* Increased flexibility and endurance, which supports overall fitness
* Increased bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis
Muscle Myths and Fact
Before you begin, there are a few things to understand about muscle.
First, exercise will not turn fat into muscle. Discontinuing exercise
will not turn muscle into fat.
Second, building muscle might not help you lose weight. Your weight may
stay the same or even increase! Muscle weighs three times more than fat,
so you’ll lose fat while gaining “good” weight. Measure success instead
by inches lost, the fit of your clothes, and looking and feeling better.
Where to Begin?
Although gyms have much to offer, there are many ways to incorporate
weight training into your life without leaving home. You can use a
variety of free weights, Swiss balls, tubes—even ordinary household
items. There are many videos and books available that will help you get
stronger in no time. Of course, check with your doctor first for an
examination and consultation on how to get started.
It may take some time to get started and accustomed to weight training.
But the ability to sculpt your body and the impact on blood glucose will
make it all worth it.