LiveWell Vermont

Did you know that some of the most effective strength training moves are the simplest ones? Check out these beginner exercises to help you build strength! The Squat A basic squat exercises should be included in your routine as it builds strength in your lower body (calves, quads, glutes, and hamstrings). Please note that improper form while doing a squat exercise can lead to knee pain or other discomfort. Place your feet shoulder width apart or slightly wider. Hold your hands at chest level for balance. Bend at your knees and hips, imagine that you're sitting into a chair. Keep your chest lifted and your spine neutral. Do not let your lower back round as you squat.  Lower down so your thighs are parallel to the floor and keep your knees over your ankles. Keep your core engaged as you press into your heels to return to starting position.  A good starting place is 2-3 sets of 15 squats. The Lunge Lunges are a great move to work on your lower body, core, ...

You’ve probably heard it before-having a strong core is beneficial to your health. Did you know that building a strong core goes beyond fitness benefits? It can help you with your routine tasks. Strengthening your core can help you with:   1.) Sitting at your computer. Sitting at your desk all day puts a lot of strain on your body. By strengthening your core, you can take some of the pressure off your lower back.  2.) Walking or running. Many competitive runners know that the key to a great finishing time is a strong core. Your core will help you take in oxygen with every breath and it will keep you balanced on uneven terrain. 3.) Your posture. When your core is strong, you will find it easier to sit and stand up straighter. Good posture takes pressure off your lower back. 4.) Balance and stability. Your core stabilizes your body making it easier for you to move in any direction. A strong core can reduce your risk of falls. 5.) Every day tasks. House...

Are you looking to improve your strength this spring? Join the live well challenge today! Registration is open in the portal through April 16th, 2017!  Watch the challenge powtoons video to learn more! Please remember to earn incentive points for the Reach Your Peak tier of the Incentive Program, you must complete one of two options:

Having a strong core isn't just for athletes, strong abdominal and back muscles are essential for completing every day tasks. Try adding these exercises into your strength training routine for a stronger core! 1.) Abdominal crunch: Lie on your back and place your feet on the wall so your knees and hips are bent at a 90 degree angle. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor (to reduce strain on your neck, cross your arms across your chest instead of behind your head). Return to start position and then repeat.   2.) Bridge. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Raise your hips off the until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for 3 deep breaths and then return to start. Repeat. 3.) Segmental Rotation. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Keeping your shoulders on the floor, let your knees fall slightly to t...

Strength training is an important workout to incorporate into your weekly routine. Building muscle mass can help boost your metabolism as well as your performance during cardio workouts and help you gain strength. It's important to make sure you're using the correct weight when strength training. Too much weight can lead to injury; however using weights that are too light can leave you with little results.   Here are three ways to know if your weights are too light: 1.) Your weights are easy to swing around. Lifting weights that are too light for your is counterproductive to strength gains and overall fitness. So if your weight routine is so easy you don't even have to focus, it's time to consider upping the weight! 2.) You're not feeling it. If you're not feeling it during your workout with each rep and you're not a little sore after, then you're not getting what you need from your strength training! 3.) You're not seeing results. Resu...