If you haven’t incorporated resistance training into your workout routine yet it’s time to seriously consider it. You are missing an array of benefits that can help you attain your short- and long-term goals. Plus, you are selling yourself short because your workout routine should be well-rounded, dynamic, and encompass all forms of fitness.
What are some of the benefits of resistance training?
Increase Muscle Mass and Resting Metabolic Rate: Increased muscle mass will increase your resting metabolic rate keeping your metabolism revved up so it burns more calories up to an additional 12 hours after your workout.
Decrease Body Fat: A significant change in your lean muscle mass will increase your resting metabolic rate resulting in a daily caloric output. More calories out than in helps reduce an individual’s percentage of body fat.
Improve Glucose Metabolism: Poor glucose metabolism is linked to diabetes and obesity in both children and adults. Resistance training has been shown to increase glucose intake and improve the overall metabolism.
Injury Prevention: Resistance training helps stability, coordination and balance. Enhancing neuromuscular sensitivity and reflexes improves muscular control, which is essential for injury prevention.
Preserve or Increase Bone Material Density: Quality of life is improved and enhanced with resistance training. As we age we lose bone material resulting in a fragile bone structure. But we can avoid bone material density loss through resistance training. By progressively increasing resistance, individuals can gain and maintain muscle strength, increase bone density and minimize the risk of osteoporosis.
Reduce Resting Blood Pressure: Similar to endurance training, resistance exercises have been shown to reduce resting blood pressure. With a well-developed program, an individual can safely perform resistance exercises and obtain many physiological benefits.
Improve Posture and Avoid Back Pain: To correct posture resistance training assists with strengthening the vertebral column including the spinae and transversopinal group. Recurring or chronic back pain can be reduced by increasing the strength of the core and increase an individual’s mobility to lead an active lifestyle.
Functional Stability: Functional movements mimic daily activities and can help prevent injury. Resistance training can lead to increase body awareness, stability and can help improve activity and energy levels.
It seems to me that SHAPE and STRENGTH could be added to the list.. Muscle gives the body shape which is an emotional but important gain. And increased strength is useful every time you pick up a cup of coffee, a bag or groceries or if you’re married … a ball and chain :-).