If there was an exercise that could simultaneously improve muscular strength, bone density, cardiovascular disease and mental health, would you want to get started immediately?
Luckily, such an exercise exists! Research shows that strength training can do all of that and more.
Strength training has many benefits, today we discuss the top 5 reasons everybody should be lifting weights.
1. Effective weight management.
Strength training has the ability to increase lean mass (i.e build muscle). An increase in lean mass means a higher resting metabolism, so your body uses more calories both at rest and during exercise.
An increase in expended calories can help you to lose excess body fat, and maintain a healthy weight.
A healthy body weight has a positive flow on effect to many other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and joint pain. Time to get lifting!
2. Protect your bones.
Research has shown that completing resistance based exercises (strength training) has the ability to improve bone mineral density, reducing the risk of fracture, osteoporosis and arthritis.
By placing an external load through the skeletal system, we are preventing and even reversing bone mineral loss.
3. Improve long term health.
Regular strength training has the ability to prevent and reduce many chronic health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. In fact, exercise has the ability to act as a dose of medication to help prevent and manage these health conditions.
4. Improved mood and mental health.
Exercise is shown to help with depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. This occurs due to a number of reasons. From a physiological perspective, our body releases endorphins when we exercise that help us feel happier and more alert.
Strength training also to improve self confidence and provide a sense of purpose. Finally, exercise helps to improve our quality of sleep – a major component of mental health and mood regulation.
5. Burn more calories during exercise.
Get the most out of your workout by incorporating strength training into your routine. When we recruit large muscle groups during exercise, there is an increased demand for energy and calories. This leads to a greater number of calories burned during a session, making it a more effective workout.
Not only do you burn more calories during exercise, the body also uses significant energy post exercise to assist with recovery. Make the most of your training session with strength training!
With there being so many benefits of strength training, why not start today? If you are new to exercise, engage the help of an Exercise Physiologist who can provide an appropriate exercise program that is specific to you.
No matter how young, old, able or healthy you are, strength training is for everyone!
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