Proper strength training in a safe environment increases an individual’s capabilities in every day life, while helping prevent many diseases and chronic conditions. In recent years, strength training has grown in popularity while busting many myths. Some benefits of strength training are listed below.
Strength Training for Every Day Life
Being stronger, in general, makes us more capable of day-to-day activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and jumping. It also makes us far more resilient to physical injuries from impacts, falls, and other accidents that may happen in our lifetime. Strength training increases bone mineral density, builds stronger muscles, strengthens connective tissue, and increases joint stability.
Weight management and Disease Prevention
Recent research has found that increasing lean muscle mass directly correlates with an increased base line metabolism. Therefore, by strength training, and increasing lean muscle mass, more fat will be metabolized throughout the day in order to support the lean muscle tissue. In addition, studies have found that strength training, and the increase of lean muscle mass, improves insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. These physiological adaptations greatly reduce the chances of developing Type II Diabetes and heart dysfunction.
Mood, self-esteem, mental health
It has been found in research that weight training, especially in females, reduces the symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety.
Listed below are some mental and emotional benefits that come from weight training:
- Release of “feel good” hormones called endorphins
- Improved self-image
- Feeling of accomplishment
- Feeling more capable of daily physical activities
- Relationships that may develop from participating in strength training with others.
