While there are many benefits derived from strength training, no one is quite as beneficial as what it does to improve your health.
Research and numerous studies have all shown that one of the biggest benefits of strength training is improved health. Not only does a well-balanced strength training program lower high blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular disease and your cholesterol ratio, it also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome, stress and anxiety, and decreases the frequency of colds and illness. If for no other reason, the health benefits alone derived from strength training are worth doing it. But there are also five other great benefits:
Increase Muscle Mass
By building larger muscles, you will have more power, endurance and size which make doing everyday tasks much easier. Suddenly lifting a full laundry basket, walking up stairs and carrying an armload of groceries is much easier. And with increased muscle mass, your metabolism will increase to fuel your larger muscles, meaning you will burn more calories.
Flexibility
Effective strength training routines work muscles through their full range of motion. By having the increased flexibility, your risk of muscle pulls and injuries decrease.
Body Composition
If you have been doing weight training for a while, you’ll notice your body composition changing. You may not see much of a change on the scale, but over time, you will gain muscle mass and lose body fat meaning you’ll see a change in body measurements and body fat percentage, respectively.
Reducing Injuries
Without strength training, muscles can give out when under more stress than they are used to resulting in injuries. But by routinely practicing strength training, you develop stronger muscles, tendons and ligaments thereby greatly reducing the risk of injury. Routines that work on abdominal core development help strengthen the back and improve posture meaning your weight is distributed better over lower body joints such as hips, knees and ankles.
Improving Self-Image
As said earlier, after doing strength training for a while you will start to see changes in your body, such as better muscle definition, a more erect posture, and a better ability to handle stress. This gives increases your self-esteem and gives you a better outlook on life in general.
These five strength-training benefits are only a sampling of what an effective weight lifting program can do for you. These benefits, and especially an increase in health, are all good reasons for you to start a strength-training program today for a better (and healthier) you tomorrow.