Strength TrainingAnd its endless importance
- There are very few things in life the have virtually no negative impact and loads of benefits. Healthy food, fresh air and true love are a few. Strength training is also one of them. Putting aside any preconceived ideas about strength training being reserved for the very young and very fit will help to show how it has benefit for everyone; from those that still believe in Santa Claus to those that are older than Santa Claus. Add to your visual of the 25 year old guy with 4% body fat and muscles on his muscles, the 45 year old mom of three with a family history of osteoporosis, the 70 year old former Navy officer and the skinny 17 year old computer whiz. Strength training should be part of the repertoire for every one of them for optimal health.
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• Strength training has been shown in study after study to both increase and
maintain bone density. This is especially important for women over the age of
50.
• Strength training staves off the loss of muscle mass that normally begins after the age of 20 in both sexes.
• Training will increase your muscle mass in proportion to fat. This makes your body not only look better, but the higher muscle proportion increases metabolic
efficiency so your body works more efficiently.
• Your heart health is increased by strength training because the muscles use oxygen more efficiently and your heart does not have to work as hard in order to
supply them with oxygen.
• Increased muscle strength also takes strain off of connective tissue in your joints so has great benefit to those with disorders like arthritis.
• Strength training, especially with free weights, will also train the smaller muscles in your body that give you stability and improve your balance.
• Like all forms of exercise, strength training increases the production of brain chemicals that influence your well being and mood.
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Benefits For Life
Whether you have never picked up a weight in your life or you are a former competitive athlete, beginning or reinstating weight training can only benefit you. Studies have shown positive impact from weight training on subjects up to 90, yes 90, years of age. Even if you must begin with a set of one pound weights at home, the only advice to all is to just do it. You will not only look better and feel better after just a few weeks, but your bones and muscles will both be stronger, your heart will be working more efficiently and your metabolic rate will be higher. And you may have the drawback of a wider smile on your face because you feel so good!