The Importance of Strength Training: Tips from Lisa and John Foret of Snap Fitness

Over the last 30 years the health and fitness industry has gone through many changes. With easy access to exercise workouts on the internet, men are exposed to exercise routines that may not mirror their fitness levels or capabilities, and, in turn, make them vulnerable to injury and burn out.

There are many different exercise regimens, modalities and classes out there preaching that they are the best. There are also many competent exercise specialists claiming the same, but are they the best for you? It is important to find an exercise professional who can develop a program that meets your specific needs or goals and can assess your strengths and weaknesses.

Out of all the recommendations out there, strength training is the most important exercise regimen men should be following. The more strength and muscle mass a man has, and the more active and fit he is, the greater the chance he will have for remaining mobile, healthy and strong for a lifetime.

Living a sedentary lifestyle guarantees muscle wasting and weakness, a disease called sarcopenia, and causes an increase in all-cause mortality. Lack of exercise can cause a lifetime of health issues, chronic disease and mental decline. If men do not strength train, they will lose muscle mass, bone density, flexibility, mobility, metabolism, and their energy levels will plummet. Since muscle mass and strength in men are the biggest indicators of health and longevity, men of all ages must get committed to moving and training with purpose.

With any new regimen, it is important to start slow and micro progress. Men often workout too hard, too fast, wanting results immediately, which can lead to quick injuries, burn out and premature setbacks. Snap Fitness and Muscle Activation of Louisiana attempts to reeducate men, teaching them that they don’t have to become sore to have a productive workout and that pain could be an indicator that one did too much.

Choosing to begin a workout program is often the easiest step. However, setting realistic goals, knowing your muscle system’s strengths and weakness, and staying committed is where the breakdown occurs. This is why finding a qualified exercise professional is vital to success.

At Snap Fitness men begin their health journey with a muscle system evaluation with John Foret. The evaluation assesses the entire muscle system and pinpoints specific muscle weakness, muscle instability, tightness and muscle contractibility deficiency.

Once the muscle system evaluation is completed, John treats muscle weakness and instability and customizes the workout program to address problems. He then provides hands-on techniques, specific isometric exercises, as well as resistance training, mobility training and stretching techniques.

Not all bodies can move the same, or function the same, so their workouts should reflect that. So, how do you stay committed?

Do not give yourself permission to quit. Next, get an accountability partner or personal trainer. Make declarations and set realistic goals. Start exercising slowly, build on your strengths and stay aware of your weaknesses. Focus on the small gains which will add up to big gains and know that it is okay to ask for help.
The more help and support you have, the more successful you will be. Find the right exercise professional to get a custom program to fit your unique needs.

For more information, call 337-478-4525 or email lakecharlesla@snapfitness.com.