Benefits of Strength Training
Over the last decade, strength training has gained incredible popularity and it is now realized to be an essential part of any fitness regimen along with activities that focus on cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and optimal body composition. When properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health including increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength, improved joint function, reduced potential for injury, improved cardiac function and elevated good cholesterol. Strength training combined with regular aerobic exercise can also have a positive impact on a person’s mental and emotional health.
“While aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, has many excellent health benefits -it maintains the heart and lungs and increases cardiovascular fitness and endurance -it does not make your muscles strong. Strength Training does. Studies have shown that lifting weights two or three times a week increases strength by building muscle mass and bone density.”
-Dept. of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, strength training can be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of several diseases and chronic conditions such as:
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STRENGTH TRAINING ALSO HELPS YOU:
- CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT. As you gain muscle, your body gains a bigger “engine” to burn calories more efficiently -which can result in weight loss. The more toned your muscles, the easier it is to control your weight
- DEVELOP STRONG BONES. By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- REDUCE YOUR RISK OF INJURY. Building muscle helps protect your joints from injury. It also contributes to better balance, which can help you maintain independence as you age.
- BOOST YOUR STAMINA. As you get stronger, you won’t fatigue as easily.
- MANAGE CHRONIC CONDITIONS. Strength training can reduce symptoms of many chronic conditions, including arthritis, back pain, depression, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
- SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS. Some research suggests that regular strength training helps improve attention for older adults.
