Callaghan provides a community who strive to produce and utilise research to better ourselves and our university.
There is a single research driven intervention that increases concentration, mood, mental health, metabolic health and overall well-being. Yet most of us struggle to maintain a routine that includes it. Exercise is that intervention and it is well known that achieving the National health and WHO recommendations of 150-300 mins of exercise per week including two strength sessions provides many benefits.
So, what are the side-effects or negative consequences of achieving this? If you find the right exercise for you and use simple exercise guidelines there are minimal risks. Here are some of those recommendations:
- If over 50 get a medical check from your GP before starting a new routine, especially if its going to be high intensity exercise.
- Don’t go too hard at the start. Its a common source of injury when the body is not conditioned to a new activity or exercise program.
- If you are going to lift weights, then make sure your technique is correct. A personal trainer or exercise physiologist at NU Sport can provide this advice and education.
- Strength classes don’t have to involve weights. You can use body weight in multiple ways to achieve your two strength sessions. Learn more about strength in small group pilates style classes designed for uni staff on campus.
- If you feel pain associated with exercise that doesn’t ease of quickly then get some advice from the uni physio clinic on campus. Don’t let pain stop you participating in activity and exercise. Early advice and management is the key.
Go to the gym and get your 2 recommended strength sessions per week! You will feel better and live healthier if you can achieve what research has clearly proven.
If you want to read more here is a summary of a research article on strength exercise.