Is Strength Training the Best Form of Exercise?

Are you tired of the same old workout routine that leaves you bored and lacking results?

Are you interested in strength training but find yourself intimidated?

There are a lot of myths out there that have kept many people away from strength training initially.

There has been a growing body of research in recent years suggesting that strength training is a must.

Or you may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole process.

It’s time to put the myths to rest and to focus on why strength training is a MUST not for a sexy physique, but for your health as well.

It does not matter who you are, or what your fitness goals are- everyone should incorporate strength training into their exercise routine. 

Here are the 7 reasons.

1. Keeps your bones and muscular system healthy.

Muscle mass and strength decreases with age. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported that most of us start losing muscles around age 30, with a 3 to 8 percent reduction in lean muscle mass every decade thereafter.  

Strength training is beneficial for older adults because these exercises help build muscle strength and muscle mass and preserve bone density.

2. Decreases risk of cancer.

People that have strong muscles are 45 percent less likely to die from melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer.  Researchers at the University of Michigan that conducted the study speculate that dense muscles are a good indication of overall health, including a better immune system. 

3. Look healthier.

Cardio alone will only help you burn calories and shed fat, but it won’t do a thing to replace that with lean muscle tissue. Strength training will truly help to accomplish both at the same time, and give your body muscle definition.

4. Improve your mood and sleep.

Strength training will elevate your level of endorphins (natural opiates produced by the brain), which lift energy levels and improve mood. There’s been evidence that strength training has a positive impact on sleep.

5. Ignite your metabolism.

According to a study done at the University of Wisconsin, it takes 31 min of resistance training to keep your metabolism elevated for 38 hours.  So that means when you’re sitting around watching TV, you’re burning more calories than non-strength trainers.  

6. Reduce your risk of diabetes.

Diabetes, especially type II diabetes which occurs after you’re born, is becoming more and more prevalent in the US.  Of course eating healthy is the best prevention, but researchers at Tufts University are saying that weight lifting is also very effective at cutting your risk of diabetes.  In just 4 months, researchers found that those who weight trained had a decrease blood-glucose level and their insulin sensitivity improved. 

7. Improves brain power.

Exercise causes your body to create more connections in your brain. This may increase your capacity for learning.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed some of the physical and mental benefits of strength training exercises.

If you’re ready for an easy way to start strength training, try one of our done-for-you workout programs.

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