Aretas Connects Vol. 12 | Why Strength Training is Your Best Medicine for Pain-Free Living

Hey Aretas Performance Community,

It's a common misconception that strength training will wear down your joints, or hurt your back or knees, or that it’s something you should ease off as you get older to avoid pain. But, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is true: strength training is one of the most powerful tools you have for building a resilient body, reducing pain, and enhancing your quality of life at any age.

At Aretas Performance, we're dedicated to helping you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free, regardless of your age or fitness background. Let's debunk some myths and uncover the incredible benefits of smart, progressive strength training.

The Truth About Strength Training and Your Joints

The idea that lifting weights "wears out" your joints is a persistent myth. Research and experience prove time and time again that properly executed strength training actually protects your joints.

Here's why:

• Stronger Support System: Strength training builds and strengthens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding your joints. This creates a robust support system, improving joint stability and reducing the stress placed directly on cartilage.

• Improved Cartilage Health: Controlled, progressive loading through strength training can actually stimulate the health and integrity of joint cartilage, making it more resilient.

• Better Movement Patterns: By focusing on fundamental movement patterns (like squats, hinges, pushes, and pulls – core principles of functional strength coaching), you improve your body's mechanics, reduce imbalances, and alleviate undue stress on vulnerable areas like your back and knees.

It's not about lifting heavy at all costs, but about intelligent, individualized programming that respects your body's current capabilities and progressively builds resilience.

The Unrivaled Benefits of Strength Training for Life

Beyond joint health, the advantages of consistent strength training are profound and impact every aspect of your well-being:

• Pain Reduction: Addresses muscular imbalances, improves posture, and strengthens the supporting structures around common pain points (e.g., lower back, neck, knees).

• Increased Bone Density: Crucial for preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures, especially as you age.

• Enhanced Metabolism & Weight Management: Builds muscle, which is metabolically active tissue, helping you burn more calories at rest and manage a healthy weight.

• Improved Balance & Coordination: Strengthens stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of falls and improving agility in daily life and sport.

• Greater Functional Independence: Makes everyday tasks easier – lifting groceries, playing with grandkids, climbing stairs, or pursuing hobbies without limitation.

• Better Mood & Cognitive Function: Releases endorphins, reduces stress, and has been linked to improved brain health and memory.

• Optimized Athletic Performance: Builds power, speed, and endurance, making you better at any sport or physical activity you enjoy.

It's Never Too Late to Get Stronger

While starting young offers a lifetime of benefits, it is never too late to begin or recommit to strength training. Your body retains its ability to build muscle and get stronger well into your senior years.

One key consideration as we age is protein intake. Older adults often require a higher protein intake (e.g., 1-1.3 grams per pound of body weight) to effectively stimulate muscle protein synthesis and maximize strength gains. This is why our Rooted Nutrition philosophy emphasizes quality protein sources as a cornerstone of fueling your body.

Your Path to a Stronger, Pain-Free Future with Aretas Performance

At Aretas Performance, our expert coaches specialize in designing safe, effective, and progressive strength training programs tailored to your individual needs and goals. We focus on teaching proper form, building foundational strength, and ensuring you feel confident and capable in every movement.

Ready to build a more resilient body, reduce pain, and unlock your full potential at any age? We're here to guide you. You can easily schedule your next session or discovery call with our coaches through our new online booking system (details below!).

Other Aretas Updates & Community News

We're keeping the energy high this summer and have some exciting news for you!

• New Streamlined Booking System: Our new online booking system launched July 1st, for seamless scheduling! You can now easily book directly with your coach:

  • Mitch Sadowsky, Head Performance Coach & Golf Fitness Specialist: Book with Mitch here.

  • Laura Sadowsky, Director of Women’s Performance & Nutrition Coach: Book with Laura here.

  • Drake Sutton, Head Performance Coach & Athletic Development Expert: Book with Drake here.

• Fall Sports Prep: As fall sports approach, ensure you're ready! Drake continues to offer personalized sport-specific training programs designed to give athletes a competitive edge. Email Drake for details.

• Rooted Nutrition Coaching: Our Rooted Nutrition coaching continues to receive glowing feedback for helping clients fuel their performance and well-being. Book a free nutrition consultation with Laura at her link above.

• Golf Fitness at The Wisconsin Club: Mitch and Catalyst Golf are actively elevating golf fitness at The Wisconsin Club Country Club (TWCCC)! Explore dynamic junior and adult camps, precise movement screens, and specialized performance training to enhance your game. Email Mitch for full details.

• Rise & Grind on the Beach: Our popular Rise & Grind beach workouts are still going strong! Join Mitch and Volley Life for a fun, effective outdoor session on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 AM at Bradford Beach. Check the website here for details and to register.

• Drake's Speed Camp: With August approaching, there's still time to join Drake's highly successful Speed Camp! High school athletes are making incredible gains in power, agility, and speed. Sessions run Monday and Friday mornings at 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM through September 5th. Sign up here to secure your spot!

• Women’s Performance Updates: Our enhanced women's performance programs, including Bump to Baby Strength, Perimenopause Power, and OsteoStrong, are empowering more women every week! We've streamlined scheduling and made session times more available. Easily schedule your specialized program right here.

We're passionate about helping every athlete reach their peak performance, and every individual thrive. Thank you for being a valued part of the Aretas Performance community.

In Excellence,

The Aretas Performance Team