A regular program of strength training will reduce your body fat, increase your lean muscle, burn more calories, and help you move better.
But there is also a long-term bonus to strength training: Future independence and overall ability to enjoy life. Training today will mean a future filled with the activities and pleasures that are denied to those who let their strength, movement ability, and functionality to decline.
Here are some of the benefits of strength training:
– Better Sleep. A recent study showed that people who train for strength are less likely to have insomnia.
– Improved Well-Being. Strength training boosts sel-confidence, self-esteem, and reduces depression.
– Stronger Bones. The controlled stress during resistance training causes your body to shore up your bones, increasing mineral density and reducing your risk for osteoporosis. If you already have osteoporosis or osteopenia, resistance training can lessen its severity or even reverse it.
– Less Body Fat. Lose muscle, gain fat. Gain muscle, lose fat. The more lean, toned muscle you have, the easier it is to control your weight.
– Increased Stamina. As your muscles become stronger, everyday activities will become easier and you’ll maintain your energy longer.
– Fewer Injuries. Strength training will protect your joints from injury and help you recover faster from falls. Exercising also helps you maintain your balance and flexibility as you age.
– Increased Strength. That’s why it’s called strength training! Most people begin losing their muscle toward the end of puberty, unless they do something to maintain it. As you get stronger, you’ll increase your muscle, bringing back much of the health and vitality of youth. There’s a common belief that muscle loss is the inevitable result of age, when in fact muscle loss is mostly due to lack of use. Strength training can be your fountain of youth!
– Reduce a variety of diseases and health conditions. This includes arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and osteoporosis.