Exercise routines tend to focus on a particular facet of fitness, and in doing so, it tends to neglect some other equally important areas. For example, cardio is focused on strengthening the heart, while some are for balance or flexibility.
Many fitness experts recommend adding strength training sessions to the weekly exercise routine as it comes with plenty of benefits. When these exercises are incorporated into high-intensity interval training, they can increase energy levels, improve bone health, and enhance brain functions. Let us take an in-depth look at each of these benefits.
Benefits of Strength Training
If you want to lose a few pounds or slim down, it can be tempting to focus on burning calories with cardio exercises. An effective workout should include strength training to reduce body fat and stay healthy. Here are the reasons why.
1. Improves Heart Health
Cardio exercises are essential to keep the heart pumping and build aerobic fitness. Did you know that strength training can also do this and reduce the risk of heart diseases? One study shows that muscle strength can deter the risk of heart disease better than blood pressure.
2. Stronger Bones and Joints
Strong muscles can help stabilize bones and joints. Thus, it helps prevent the risk of osteoporosis and joint injury. This is important for women who are experiencing loss of bone density when they enter menopause.
3. Increase Muscle Mass
This is not hard to explain. Increasing muscle mass is not all about toning or bulking up. It can also help reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, and heart attack as it supports your body to process glucose.
4. Improve your Balance
To provide stability and in keeping your body upright, you need strong muscles. Therefore, you need them for better balance and less injury. Even if you do fall, strength training makes your bone stronger and reduces the risk of fracture.
5. Better Weight Management
Strength training and weight management are connected. When you do strength training, you are burning fats, and it is better than cardio. This helps you maintain a long, lean look.
6. Mood Booster
When you build your muscles, you feel more powerful. It can also significantly help with mental health. There is also a study that found lifting weights can reduce the symptoms of depression.
7. Reduce Injury
Stronger muscles can prevent injury during hard training and strenuous activities. It becomes more beneficial as you age. However, everyone can do strength training to avoid the risk of injury.
8. Improve Functional Movement
Functional movements refer to our daily activities like climbing stairs, lifting a basket, or pushing a lawnmower. Incorporating exercises like squatting, pushing, or jumping can help improve your activities.
9. Mitigate Medical Issues
You can improve your overall health and avoid medical concerns like stroke, heart attack, or obesity by including strength training in your routines. Lifting weights, for example, can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
10. Lets you Live Longer
The greatest benefit of strength training is it helps you live longer. How? Regular exercise with strength training can reduce the risk of common age-related illnesses and protect mobility. It helps even if you did not start early.
What To Do Next
It is never too late to start including strength training in your exercise routine. Consult a professional to know how to get started and safely build your muscles.