United States Sports Academy
America's Sports University^®

Helpful Tip #1:

Benefits of Strength & Power Training for Adults

Studies have shown that strength training, as well as aerobic exercise, can help prevent various health conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Here are some of the general overall benefits of strength and power training.

1. Strengthen muscles.
2. Strengthen bones.
3. Prevent falls by improving muscle coordination and balance.
4. Prevent fractures by increasing bone density.
5. Help control blood sugar levels.
6. Strengthen heart.
7. Improve cholesterol levels.
8. Keep a healthy weight.
9. Prevent and/or ease lower back pain.
10. Increase range of motion and relieve arthritis.
11. Raise self-confidence.
12. Increase the quality of life.

Source: A Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, 2010 Edition. Strength and Power Training – A Guide for Adults of All Ages. www.health.harvard.edu/strength

Did You Do Your Posture Exercise Today?

May is National Correct Posture Month, so take a look at how hours of computer hunching, slouching while cell phone texting and video-game slumping is affecting your posture.  It's not just kids with backpacks or cane-carrying seniors---studies show poor posture is a major cause of back and neck pain for all ages, and over time often contributes to digestive and cardiopulmonary problems.  The good news: there are easy things people can do to strengthen posture.

Reports that 65.2 percent of all catastrophic injuries to female athletes occur in high school cheerleading have led to efforts from the United States Sports Academy and the National Cheer Safety Foundation (NCSF) to educate cheer coaches.

“Cheer safety education based on sports sciences is crucial in reducing catastrophic and over-use injuries in cheerleading,” said NCSF President and CEO Kimberly Archie. “Those involved need to insist that coaches are educated and trained to properly care for young athletes.”