The benefits of strength training are numerous—both mentally and physically! Provided the training is gradually built up and the exercises are performed with proper form.
What exactly is strength training?
Strength training is aimed at increasing strength and muscle mass. When muscles are regularly challenged, the body gets the signal that more strength is needed. This leads to the development of more muscle mass. With more muscle, your metabolism increases because it takes energy to maintain muscle. So even at rest, muscle mass helps you burn extra calories!
If you lose weight—intentionally or not—you may lose muscle instead of fat. Strength training helps to prevent this as much as possible.
Another benefit is the improvement of specific athletic performance. Think of strength training to boost your performance in football, tennis, hockey, basketball, or climbing. It also helps strengthen weak spots in the body, reducing the risk of injury.
The right kind of strength training can reduce lower back pain, ease arthritis symptoms, and increase bone density. For older adults, it can slow down or stop muscle loss and reduce the risk of falling.
Finally, strength training offers mental benefits too. Exercise in general, including strength training, has shown positive effects on symptoms of depression. It can boost self-confidence, enhance body control and awareness, and improve functions related to memory, learning, language use, and executing complex daily tasks.
Plenty of reasons to give strength training a try and see what it can do for you!