Benefits of Strength Training
May 6, 2022
Strength training has become increasingly popular over the years. Is it worth the hype? According to research, the answer is yes! It is a great exercise with many health benefits. Let’s go over some of them:
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Develops strong bones. Strength training is great for developing strong bones by building bone density. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
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Protect joints from injury. The added muscle on your body helps absorb shock from your joints.
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Get physically stronger. Not only will your muscles get stronger, but your ligaments, tendons, and nervous system will also improve in this regard.
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Improves balance. Weight lifting improves balance and posture which help prevent falls. Falls and broken bones are a huge concern for the elderly population, making weight lifting an important part of one's health and safety.
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Performs daily tasks more easily. Carrying groceries, doing yard work, chores, and playing with your kids all get easier when you are fit. If you are struggling with any of these, consider adding weight lifting to your exercise routine. Having a regular workout routine also helps boost energy, making it easier to accomplish more in the day.
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Boosts metabolism. Weight lifting leads to higher muscle mass which, in turn, boosts metabolism. Having more muscle allows you to burn more calories at rest. There is also a boost in calories burned 72 hours after your weight lifting workout.
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Decreases abdominal fat. This fat, also called visceral fat, is very dangerous for your health. Having less stomach fat leads to decreased risk of diseases (see below) and leads to a longer life span.
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Decreases risk of chronic diseases. Regular weight lifting leads to a decreased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Weight lifting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Those who do get ill and lift weights have been shown to be more resilient to overcoming their health concerns.
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Maintains heart health. Strength training decreases blood pressure, lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and improves blood circulation. All of these benefits will lead to a healthier heart.
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Keeps blood sugar in check. Strength training lowers your risk of developing diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. It removes glucose from the blood and sends it to the muscles.
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Good for your mental health. Lifting weights helps lower anxiety, boost mood, and increase energy levels. These are all great for your mental health and daily life.
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Builds confidence. Seeing your body change and being able to lift more weights increases your self-esteem. Having your clothes fit better will also be a confidence boost.
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Helps cognitive performance. Regular strength training has been shown to help executive function and memory.
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Better sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, weight lifting may help. Those who regularly lifted had improved sleep quality over those who didn’t.
These health benefits should encourage you to start strength training. There are many types of weight-bearing exercises such as body weight exercises, resistance training, and classic weight lifting. Proper form is very important when weight lifting to avoid injuries. We recommend watching videos on proper form, working out in front of a mirror to see your form, or working with a personal trainer to get started. Remember, you want to build up your strength slowly and not overdo it. Unsure where to start? We’re here to help. Reach out today, and we’ll help get you started on your strength training journey.