If you’re not strength training you’re doing yourself an injustice.
Our bodies are designed to move. It’s natural for us to squat, press and pick things up. We do it daily! Strength training is not just for the muscle building gym rat, but should be an essential part of everyone’s life.
1. Build Strength
Of course this goes without saying, but building strength not only builds muscle which gives our bodies desirable shapes and tones, it also allows us to perform tasks easier. If you have a physical job, being strong makes it easier. If you have kids, playing and lifting them up is easier. If you play sports it makes you a better team mate and athlete.
2. Maintaining Strength
It’s one thing to have it, but we have to keep it and not let our muscles atrophy (wast away). This is super important as we age as it helps us ‘stay young’ and do the things we have always done and helps us avoid injuries by protecting joints and avoiding falls.
3. Joint Health
When we progressively load our bodies through a complete and safe range of motion we can increasing quality of life, by avoiding pain and maintaining and increasing range of motion. Strength training can help you avoid osteoporosis, fractures, and falls, especially as you age.
4. Helps You Lose Weight
Even without exercising your muscles require a daily level of energy to maintain. The more muscle you have, the more energy you will use at rest. This means building muscle is a great way to shift yourself into a calorie deficit while eating the same amount.
5. Improves Heart Health
Heart health is everything, would it be a shock to know that regular strength training can lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and increase overall heart health by strengthening the heart and blood vessels.
6. Boost Self Esteem and Mood
A review of 7 different studies found that youth 10-16 years old found a significant association between strength training and high self-esteem, physical strength, and physical self-worth (The Effect of Resistance Training Interventions on ‘The Self’ in Youth). This is common feedback we receive from the parents of our teens in our teen program.
Another study found that strength training may reduce anxiety, increase self esteem, self efficacy and promotes the release of mood enhancing endorphins (Association of Efficacy of Resistance Exercise Training With Depressive Symptoms).
The conclusion
When you strength train you can increase quality and length of life. You can feel better while being able to do more. Not only physically but mentally. When starting out, it should be steady. It’s best to follow a program and get advice if you’re not experienced.