10 Reasons You Should be Strength Training

Here are 10 reasons why everyone should be doing it.

1. Avoid Muscle Loss.

Adults who do not perform resistance programs lose between 2.2 and 3.2 kg of muscle every decade. It is the only way to maintain your muscle mass throughout your mid life years.

2. Avoid Metabolic Rate Reduction.

Because muscle is a very active tissue, muscle loss is accompanied by a reduction in resting metabolism. If you prevent muscle loss you will also prevent the decrease in resting metabolic rate.

3. Increase Muscle Mass.

Because most adults don't perform resistance exercises, they need to first replace their muscle tissue that has been lost through inactivity. Fortunately you can increase your muscle mass by 1.4 kg over an eight week period.

4. Increase Metabolic Rate.

By adding 1.4 kg of muscle you increase your metabolism by 7%. At rest a kilogram of muscle requires 77 calories per day for tissue maintenance. Adults who replace lost muscle use more calories all day long, thereby reducing the likelihood of fat accumulation.

5. Reduce Body Fat.

An eight to twelve week program can typically result in 1.8 kilo's of fat loss and 1.4 kilo's of muscle gain. The more muscle the less fat.

6. Increase Bone Mineral Density.

The effects of resistance exercises are similar for muscle tissue and bone tissue. The same training stimulus that increases muscle strength also increases bone density and mineral content.

7. Improve Glucose Metabolism.

Researches have reported a 23% increase in glucose uptake after 4 months following a resistance program. Because poor glucose metabolism is associated with adult onset diabetes, improved glucose metabolism is an important benefit.

8. Reduce Low Back Pain.

Studies have shown that strong back muscles are less likely to be injured causing pain. This is because they are trained to be able to handle the load when lifting an object. Flexibilty is also very important in back care.

9. Reducing Resting Blood Pressure.

Resistance exercises have been shown to reduce blood pressure similar to cardio programs. A combination of the two has the most effect.

10. Improve Blood Lipid Levels.

Resistance exercises have revealed improved blood lipid profiles after several weeks of following a program. Once again these are similar to cardio programs.

The age that a child can start a resistance program is when they can follow and comprehend instructions. This doesn't mean you would have your child lifting weight, but they could perform some body weight exercises to improve their strength, balance and coordination.

You are never to old to start Strength Training. If you don't want to be dependant on someone else when you grow old you should never stop doing a resistance program.

Strength Training Benefits Testimonials Weight Loss

New! Comments