by Nadia Sinclair

Delving deep into the world of strength training, we recently got an opportunity to engage with renowned fitness trainer and creator of the transformative training program ‘Revitalize’, Bella Melton. Melton emphasizes the importance of strength training, shedding light on its benefits. Strength training isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about making your everyday tasks more efficient and reducing risk of injuries, she shares.

Are Older Women Required to Intensify Their Strength Training?

Interestingly, Bella asserts that it’s crucial not just for women, but also for men of all ages to blend strength training into their daily exercise routine. Muscle is metabolically active tissue which means, a higher muscle mass equates to higher calorie burn. Strength training thus, becomes crucial with age as muscle degradation due to ageing, called Sarcopenia, makes maintaining muscle mass more challenging.

Progressing with Strength Work post Lockdown

As lockdown limitations ease and gyms reopen, those who have been diligently working out at home, might observe a plateau in their strength training progress. When such a stall is encountered, Bella suggests examining your current nutrition and exercise regimen. Swapping exercises, re-evaluating nutrition plan, and focusing on core strengthening are recommended.

Words of Wisdom for Aspirants on Restarting Weight Lifting

Whether you’re restarting strength training or starting afresh, Bella suggests you to begin at a slow pace. Learning the basic exercises with correct form is paramount. It’s recommended to have a structured plan that ensures gradual progress while avoiding injuries.

How Frequently Should One Switch the Strength Routine?

Bella advocates for change in training program every month. This could be achieved by incorporating new movements and altering workout intensity periodically.

Evolution of Strength Training Routine

Consistent progression is the cornerstone of achieving desired results. Bella advises altering the exercises one has been consistently performing to avoid exercise fatigue. Increasing weight or adding an extra set is an excellent way to level up the workout and stimulate muscle growth.

Myth Busting: Heavy Weights for Toning?

Lastly, Bella dismantle the myth that heavy weights are required for muscle toning. Men and women can build muscle and reduce body fat with a combination of high rep, low resistance workouts as well as low rep, high resistance workouts, along with cardiovascular exercise and good nutrition. The secret is to alternate between high and low volume workouts for maximum benefits.

Fitness trainer Bella Melton

strength training, muscle mass, calorie burn, Sarcopenia, lockdown workouts, nutrition plan, weight lifting, strength routine, workout intensity, muscle growth, muscle tone, cardiovascular training