Do you want a healthier and more active life? Find out how resistance training can give you the strength for life you need.
Resistance training, also known as strength training or weight training, can be an effective tool for improving health and quality of life. Resistance training is often associated with building big muscles, but its benefits go beyond physical appearance.
Below are some of the most important benefits of resistance training for a healthy, active life.
Improves body composition and metabolism
Resistance training helps increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. By increasing muscle mass, the body burns more calories at rest, which can improve metabolism and prevent weight gain. Additionally, resistance training can improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes and other insulin resistance-related diseases.
Strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis
Resistance training can improve bone density and prevent age-related bone loss. This is especially important for women, who are at increased risk of osteoporosis after menopause.
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Resistance training can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, resistance training can improve aerobic capacity, which can help prevent fatigue during physical activity and improve endurance.
Improves mental health and quality of life
Strength training can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and increasing self-esteem. Additionally, resistance training can improve the ability to perform daily tasks, which can improve overall quality of life.
It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Resistance training can be adapted for people of all ages and fitness levels. Even older people can benefit from resistance training to improve strength and independence in daily activities.
Conclusion
Resistance training is a valuable tool for improving health and quality of life. By improving body composition and metabolism, strengthening bones, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving mental health and quality of life, and being suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
External sources
Here are three scientific articles that talk about the benefits of strength training:
- “Resistance Training Conserves Fat-free Mass and Resting Energy Expenditure Following Weight Loss” – The study compared the effects of diet-induced weight loss with or without resistance training on fat-free mass (MFG) and resting energy expenditure (REE). The results showed that resistance training helped preserve MFG and increased resting REE, suggesting that resistance training may be beneficial for long-term weight loss and metabolic health.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18356845/
- “Resistance Training is Medicine: Effects of Strength Training on Health”, Westcott, W.L. (2012). This article reviews the scientific evidence supporting the beneficial effects of strength training on health, including improvements in body composition, muscle strength, bone mineral density, blood glucose, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22777332/
- “Resistance exercise improves muscle strength, health status and pain intensity in fibromyalgia-a randomized controlled trial“, Larsson, A., et al. (2015). This study shows how strength training can improve muscle strength, health, and pain intensity in people with fibromyalgia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26084281/