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When it comes to exercise and diabetes, there's a plethora of physical activities to choose from. Brisk walks, yoga or zumba, there's something for everyone. However, strength training can kick-start a new chapter in your fitness routine.
Strength training exercises are helpful tools for diabetes management. Consisting of weight-lifting regimens that build your muscles, strengthening exercises are critical to a well-rounded fitness programme and offer unique benefits for people with diabetes.
Reaping The Rewards of Weight Training
Exercise is important for everyone, but even more so for people with diabetes because exercise improves insulin sensitivity so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity.
Working out with weights also presents other health benefits: It strengthens the bones, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, helps with weight loss and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the American Diabetes Association. And research from the University of Michigan says that white muscle — the kind you get from lifting weights and resistance training — helps keep your blood sugar in check.
What to Know Before You Begin
Be sure to check with your doctor before starting strength training exercises. After their approval, you can practice simple workouts like the ones mentioned below at home with small dumbbells or without equipment. Do these two or three days per week, and perform eight to 10 weight exercises per session and exercise with low-to-moderate intensity. You can do eight to 12 repetitions with heavier weights. Remember to rest two or three minutes between each set.
These are just some of the exercises you can do, and how you can do them:
Wall Push-Ups
Side Raises
Chair Raises
Tricep Extensions
Bicep Curls
Follow These Common Workout Rules
Focus on the form and maintain proper posture, even if you have to use lighter weights. Exhale while lifting and inhale while lowering the weights during each rep. You can add a variety of strength training exercises to your routine to work out different muscle groups. Simple changes in your life can deliver magnificent results. Strength training exercises don't just increase your overall physical strength, they can also help you manage your diabetes better.
Disclaimer: This publication/article/editorial is meant for awareness/educational purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of any products. Please consult your doctor/healthcare practitioner before starting any diet, medication or exercise.