Struggling to squeeze in some time for exercise every day? Is your hectic lifestyle, sedentary job, stress, lack of sleep, and lack of proper nutrition and diet taking a toll on your health and fitness levels? If so, it is time to take a step back and think about the issues seriously. Getting some exercise regularly is necessary, and including some strength training would be even more beneficial.
The moment we hear the term “strength training”, we assume that it is for bodybuilders, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and so on. However, that’s not true. Fitness experts recommend that adults should do strength training exercises at least to experience several benefits. Let’s find out why.
Strength training is known by different names, such as resistance training, weight training, or muscular training. The main aim of this training schedule is to build the muscles by making them work against some kind of resistance.
In strength training, you have to use your body weight or various equipment to build muscle mass, endurance, and strength. A recent study shows that regular strength training can prevent weight gain. Along with building body mass and preventing weight gain, there are many other health benefits that you can reap from strength training.
Strength training is highly effective for boosting your general health and fitness. How? With strength training, there is stimulation of muscle growth and a boost in muscular endurance. People who have undergone strength training say that their overall strength level has increased significantly. This training is highly effective in staying fit, boosting mobility, and improving overall health and fitness.
Mentioned below are some more proven benefits of strength training:
1. Reduces Abdominal Fat – Strength training is more effective in lowering abdominal fat compared to cardiovascular exercises. Also, our muscles burn more calories than body fat as they are more metabolically active. Therefore, increasing muscles by performing abdominal strength training exercises leads to increased energy expenditure and reduction of abdominal fat. High-intensity strength training with regular intervals of rest also helps tone muscles and reduce fat.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health – Practicing strength training regularly helps. This is because this training helps in reducing blood pressure, keeps cholesterol levels under control, and improves blood circulation by strengthening the blood vessels and the heart. With strength training, it is possible to burn visceral fat, thus reducing stress on the heart and improving the capability of the heart to pump blood.
3. Controls Blood Sugar Levels – Strength training engages the muscles rigorously and increases activity, thereby improving glucose utilization substantially. The processing of glucose takes place at a higher rate, which keeps blood sugar levels under control. The result? A combination of proper strength workouts and a balanced diet helps in keeping type 2 diabetes at bay. People who have the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can prevent it with strength training exercises.
4. Lowers Cancer Risk – Aside from increasing the risks of diabetes and other heart ailments, visceral fat has also been found to increase cancer risk. Medical professionals believe that visceral fat cells produce a cancer-triggering protein called fibroblast growth factor-2 or FGF2. High-intensity strength training helps reduce this visceral fat and eventually lowers the risk of cancer.
5. Decreases Injury Risks – People practicing strength training experience that they have reduced risks of injury. Strength training improves the mobility of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also improves the range of motion and strength. Strength is reinforced around major joints like hips, ankles, knees, etc. Muscular imbalances are also corrected with strength training. Overall, injury risks are lowered with strength training.
6. Strengthens Mental Health – Exercise, particularly strength training, is great for mental health. With strength training, different areas of the brain get activated, and the release of dopamine (feel-good hormones) increases. It is possible to overcome depression and anxiety with this exercise. Cognitive functions improve with strength training too.
7. Reduces Chances of Osteoporosis – Strength training is extremely vital for bone development. When you have strong bones and bone structure, you have lesser risks of fractures. While weight-bearing strength training and squats can help in the treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis, other strength training exercises can increase bone mineral density mitigating the risks of several bone diseases.
8. Enhances Self-Esteem – If you are looking to boost self-confidence and esteem, there is no better way than strength training. With this training, you will have endorphins and dopamine releasing, making you happier and more confident. You will also be able to appreciate your body’s strength. As your self-esteem, physical self-worth, and strength increase, you will feel a sense of overall confidence.
These research-based results prove that strength training is beneficial for both physical and mental health. However, it’s always recommended to consult a strength training professional to achieve your goals.
Now that you know the benefits of strength training, would you like to give it a try? Get in touch with Living Proof NYC today to enroll in one of the best strength training programs in New York City. Our strength training professionals will thoroughly examine your body and create a customized strength training program to help you achieve your physical and mental health goals. Schedule your first free intro and consultation session today!
