16 Comments
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marvin von renchler's avatar

I can attest that doing SOMETHING/ANYTHING works. Im 71 and have post polio syndrome. Ive been 95% sedentary for 5 years. Last month I started to walk up and down the street on crutches even though I could hardly breath. I also forced myself up and down stairs. This week Ive noticed such a difference! I can go up the stairs easier and feel as though I lost 30 pounds even though I didnt. AFter reading this article (THANK YOU) Ive figured out ways to stay in my chair and do weight training and stretching using old heavy tools and books etc. What took me so long??

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

Incredibly inspiring! Your resilience and resourcefulness are truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing your story and and inspiring others to take that first step, no matter how small. I'm thrilled the article was helpful.

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Michael Sabo's avatar

Great inspiration for starting a strength training routine or getting back into one.

As a lifter for years I have stagnated so I'm looking for new inspiration to make some progress.

Thank you for some ideas and motivation!

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

I'm glad this helps...Let's get going!

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Tami B.'s avatar

Thank you for this article!! I’ve really been struggling with strength training and know I have to get going on it consistently. I’m retired but my father is in a nursing home in another state…we’re spending a lot of time on the road and I seem to be just putting off my training until I get back home. I’m inspired by your suggestions! Thanks!

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

I'm glad this helps...let's get this done!

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Sakthivel KS's avatar

Super article

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

Thankyou!

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Seiken's avatar

Great article. I will share that I found strength training can be a personal journey to figure out what works best considering past injuries, one’s genetics, and one’s objectives. I also found that compound muscle exercises, such as the ones you list, are best for muscular intelligence.

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Cannonball Kicker's avatar

If I may comment would be great to have pics or moving gifs on the exercises!

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Cheryl's avatar

The photos are AI generated. The second one in this post is especially unrealistic. How can I take you seriously when the photos are fake?

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

Those genuinely concerned with knowledge won’t worry about photos. You’re free to scroll past. By the way, generating AI pictures takes far more effort than grabbing random stock photos from Google. I’m a serious lifter myself, but I don’t have time to do photoshoots just to post here. I focus more on meaningful work, like digging into research and putting words on the page.

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Jim Cross, CPA's avatar

The second one is indeed extremely unrealistic for several reasons and is moreso a thirst trap intended to generate clicks. Next, you're going to have to write about the effects body dysmorphic disorder among skinny fat women influenced by unrealistic imagery in the media. That, or the negative impact on shoulder joints of trying to lift heavy on an overhead press. Take the time to do it right, Doc.

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

The picture isn't unrealistic. I have a very similar body type, and if someone is triggered by a normally healthy, fit, and naturally muscled woman in athletic clothes, then the problem lies with that person, who is likely more focused on the image than the article's content. Furthermore, this is a common front rack position for the barbell during movements like power cleans or front squats, so there's nothing detrimental about it.

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Marianne's avatar

No, the photo is unrealistic. It is ai.

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Dr Neha Chawla's avatar

I’m not denying it. Yes, it’s AI. There’s a clear distinction between a real photo and a realistic AI-generated one. Heavens, what’s wrong with people? Why does that even matter? Substack is all about in-depth, knowledgeable content. Judging photos is for Instagram, not here!!!

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