3 Reasons To Start Strength Training
The hustle and bustle of modern living often leaves us losing sight of ourselves. Before we know it, our hair turns grey, our steps get heavier, and what used to be as simple as twisting off a bottle cap leaves a lasting ache on our wrists. The root of many of our physical problems lies in the lack of physical strength, which can be countered with strength training.
But, wait. What is strength training?
In a nutshell, strength training, also known as resistance training, is a type of exercise that uses external resistance (such as your own bodyweight or kettlebells) to build muscle mass through tension.
Contrary to beliefs, strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders or the ‘gym bros’; it’s for anyone looking to increase their muscular endurance over time, staying physically independent as they age.
1. Moving means muscles
Our daily movements are made possible by our muscles.
Lifting grocery bags? Muscles. Driving your car? Muscles. Even sitting upright on the couch requires muscles.
So, isn’t it fair to keep them in ready condition for whatever our day takes us?
Strength training targets more than one muscle group when performing exercises such as squats or lifting weights, so you get maximum results in minimal time.
2. Reduce risk of pain and injuries
Studies show that resistance training intervention significantly reduces pain incidences in sedentary workers. Additionally, it not only improves muscle mass but also increases bone density and balance, making the body well-equipped to handle physical strain and reduce the risk of falls.
An actual scenario:
The majority of Fit For Life's clientele is over 40, with one being well over 75. Given his age, he is particularly vulnerable to falls and severe injuries; even small slips could result in major, life-threatening fractures that would take him straight to the emergency room. However, after two years of strength training and a stumble down the stairs, he walked away with only a big, blue bruise.When you build muscles, you build protection for your internal organs. Check out our Instagram post, where we cover the basics of why muscle building is important.
3. Burns calories
Strength training burns calories both during and after the workout, where your body uses extra energy to repair and build back its muscles. This is called the afterburn effect, or Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).
Additionally, as you develop your muscle tissues, you will increase your resting metabolic rate. In other words, you burn more calories at rest because your muscles are more metabolically active than fat mass.
Final Remarks
You may have reservations about resistance training, such as fear of aggravating old injuries or not knowing where to begin.
But don’t worry! With more than five years of industry experience and training over 30 clients with their unique fitness level and goals, our coaches would be more than happy to get you started.
Send us an enquiry today and we’ll take care of the rest.