People used to look at strength training as an activity for building up muscles.
Its health benefits, however, are tremendous.
Today, people take up weight training for a variety of reasons, and can be used to support your specific health and fitness goals.
From preventing disease to achieving weight loss, strength training has a lot going for it.
People of all ages can benefit from resistance training.
Here are more reasons why you should include it in your fitness plan.
Moderate exercise boosts the immune system.
There is increasing evidence that people who exercise are less likely to catch colds.
Moderate exercise makes the immune cells circulate throughout the body quickly.
This enables the body to fend off viruses and bacteria before it can do any harm.
This effect is only temporary.
However, consistent exercise leads to a significant improvement in the immune system.
Weight training improves bone density.
Studies show that approximately 20% of bone density is dependent on muscle development.
This is especially important for older adults whose bones have become brittle, and may be able to prevent fractures that limit your independence.
Lifting weights combats diabetes and arthritis.
People with Type 2 Diabetes can benefit from resistance training.
Consistent exercise increases glucose tolerance.
One study showed a 29% increase in glucose tolerance after four months of consistent weight training.
Arthritis sufferers also showed a positive response to exercise.
Pain and fatigue is reduced.
There is also a marked decrease in arthritic symptoms.
This results to improved quality of life.
Being pain free reduces dependence on other people.
Strength training is the other half of an effective fat fighting exercise plan.
The other half being cardio exercises.
As we age, muscle mass and density decreases.
Only weight training can help us prevent muscle loss.
Studies show that after the age of 20, people lose up to one half pound of muscle per year.
This translates to a decrease in metabolic activity.
Muscles utilize more calories even at rest.
Lifting weight twice a week is enough to maintain muscle tone.
Good muscle development leads to efficient metabolic activity.
In turn, an efficient metabolism promotes increased caloric expenditure and weight loss.
Not only does resistance training make you lose weight.
It also makes you lose fat if coupled with a well balanced diet.
The health benefits of resistance training are undeniable.
Making it a part of your fitness plan is essential to improve quality of life.
And remember that it doesn't mean that it's all about building huge muscles either.
Its ability to improve immunity and increase bone density actually helps people of all ages.
A pleasing physique is a natural consequence of strength training.
Making it a part of your fitness program is a decision you won't regret.