Strength training is suitable for everyone and has numerous advantages. Some are obvious and you may be aware of them, but others may catch you off guard. Here are our top reasons why everyone should lift weights.
Strength training, also known as resistance training, is a type of exercise that is used to increase muscular strength and/or endurance. This is commonly done with weights, but it can also be done with bodyweight, resistance band, or machine training. But what exactly does it do for us?
It strengthens you.
This one is self-evident, but it turns out that this type of training makes you stronger. Not only will this improve athletic performance, but it will also make daily tasks much easier.
It increases mobility and flexibility.
It is a common misconception that increased strength leads to decreased flexibility as you become muscle bound. This is incorrect, and the opposite is true; immobility or tightness is frequently caused by muscular weakness. If you address this, your movement will improve.
Enhances heart health
Resistance training has been shown to improve cardiac health. It improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol in the same way that cardiovascular exercise does, but it also has an effect on HDL levels.
It expends calories.
Increasing muscle mass causes your body to burn more calories because your metabolism rises. Because it takes more energy to maintain muscle mass than fat mass, strength training will help you burn more calories.
It is beneficial to brain health.
This is thought to be due to an increase in blood flow throughout the body, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to vital organs such as the brain. When compared to a stretching protocol, a strength training routine had a significant effect on cognitive function in older age groups.
It reduces abdominal fat.
Yes, strength training can help you lose body fat. Obviously, you'll need to combine this with calorie restriction, but studies have shown that strength training was more effective than cardiovascular training over a 12-year period.
Aesthetics
For many years, weight training has been a popular method of improving physique and appearance. Another obvious one, but if you want to change your appearance, this is an excellent option.
Reduce the possibility of a fall and injury.
A strong foundation is associated with good balance and a lower risk of falling. This becomes even more important as you get older. Strength training also strengthens tendons, ligaments, and muscle fibers, which can reduce the likelihood of tendonitis or muscle tears.
Aids in the management of blood sugar levels
Glucose, also known as "sugar," is stored in the muscles as glycogen. More muscle mass allows for more glycogen storage. Furthermore, strength training improves insulin sensitivity and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Improves mood and self-esteem
Resistance training has numerous mental health benefits. There is an immediate effect because exercise causes your body to release endorphins, and it has been shown to reduce anxiety. Various studies have also found that people who engage in regular strength training have higher self-esteem and self-worth.
Enhances bone health
Strong bones are found in strong bodies. Resistance training improves bone mineral density and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. Standing weight bearing exercises, in particular, have a significant impact because they lightly stress the bones, which respond by developing greater density.
Improves quality of life and longevity
Grip strength was found to be a better predictor of health and all-cause mortality than blood pressure, with higher strength associated with a longer life. Another study discovered a link between strength training and quality of life.
