Fall is a great time to move some of your workouts indoors, and if you are not currently doing strength training it is a great time to start. In this Blog I would like to highlight some of the Benefits of Strength Training.
- Strength training helps decrease body fat.Strength training will help to increase your lean body mass, which in turn will increase your daily energy expenditure; and you will burn more calories at rest.
2. Strength training protects bone health and muscle mass.
Strength Training is one of the best ways to stop, prevent, and even reverse bone and muscle loss.
- Strength training not only makes you stronger, it makes you more fit overall.
Strength training is also called resistance training because it involves strengthening and toning your muscles by contracting them against a resisting force. There are two types of resistance training:
Isometric resistance involves contracting your muscles against a non-moving object, such as against the floor in a plank.
Isotonic strength training involves contracting your muscles through a range of motion as in weight lifting.
Both make you stronger and can get you into better shape. Remember that with strength training your muscles need time to recover, so it should only be done on alternate days. Always take some time to warm up before and cool down after strength training.
- Strength training helps you develop better balance and coordination.
Strength training will help you improve your body mechanics and your posture. More importantly, if you currently have poor flexibility and balance, strength training can reduce your risk of falling by as much as 40 percent, a crucial benefit, especially as you get older.
- Strength training plays a role in disease prevention.
Studies have documented the wellness benefits of strength training. If you have arthritis, strength training can be as effective as medication in decreasing arthritis pain. Strength training can help post-menopausal women increase their bone density and reduce the risk of bone fractures. For the 14 million Americans with type 2 diabetes, strength training along with other healthy lifestyle changes can help improve glucose control.
- Strength training boosts energy levels and improves your mood.
Strength training will elevate your level of endorphins, which will make you feel great. Strength training has also been shown to be a great antidepressant, to help you sleep better, and to improve your overall quality of life.
- Strength training can improve your brain too!
This last benefit I am mentioning here- was recently written about in the New York Times. This article posted on October 21, 2015 describes how strength training can even “strengthen” your brain. To read the full article see this link:
If you have any questions about how to start a proper strength training program please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]
I have a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and over 20 years of personal training and experience in the Health and Fitness industry, and I would be happy to help you get started.