Strength training is a fun and rewarding way to get into shape. Not only is it efficient, burning more calories than aerobic exercise over the same period of time, but it also provides a number of great health benefits.
More Muscle, Less Fat
Strength training is a great way to build muscle mass and burn fat. Strength training increases your body’s metabolism, so you burn more energy. You can get in shape and look great without yo-yo dieting. Your new muscles will eat away at your body’s excess energy (body fat), so you can keep the weight off for the long run.
Strength training is also a great way to help prevent or reverse sarcopenia, the degenerative loss of lean muscle mass as you age, helping you to stay independent and active later in life. A Tufts University study of postmenopausal women found that doing strength training exercises twice a week for a year increased the subjects’ strength by 75% on average, compared to a loss of strength in those who did no training. Stronger muscles also means better posture, more support for your joints, and a lower risk of injury from everyday activities. Strength training lets you build strong muscles and helps to keep them strong as you get older.
Improved Bone Strength
Strength training can help provide relief from painful arthritis symptoms and can even help strengthen your bones, greatly reducing your risk of a fracture or break.
After menopause, women can lose up to 1-2% of their bone mass every year, greatly increasing their risk for fractures, breaks and osteoporosis. A 1994 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who practiced strength training had a decreased risk of bone fractures and another study in New Zealand found that elderly women who practiced strength and balance training were 40% less likely to fall. Strength training is a great way to keep you and your bones healthy.
Overall Wellness
Strength training provides many other benefits for your body. It helps to keep your heart healthy by making your body leaner and reducing your risk for heart disease.
Strength training can help to improve your state of mind, as well. The Centers for Disease Control state that strength training provides improvements in depression similar to anti-depression medication without any of the danger or side effects associated with these treatments.
Strength training also helps you sleep better. Exercises such as lifting weights make it easier for you to fall asleep, improve your quality of sleep and let you sleep longer without waking up in the middle of the night.
Another benefit of strength training is improved control of glucose levels. Regular strength training exercises help to reduce your risk for type II diabetes and makes it easier to manage existing diabetes.
Strength Training for Life
Strength training provides you with an improved quality of life. Not only will your muscles and bones become stronger, but you’ll start to feel better too. Whether its stronger muscles, better sleep or improved heart health, there are many benefits of strength training that can have a positive impact on how you live. Start strength training today and live your life to the fullest!
Exercise Guides
We offer over 500 animated exercise guides for you to choose from! You have access to specific exercise instructions and examples for each muscle group. Choose from the muscle groups below:
Abs | Biceps | Calves | Chest | Forearms | Glutes – Butt | Hamstrings | Lats – Back
Lower Back | Middle Back | Neck | Quadriceps | Shoulders | Traps | Triceps
