TOP 7 Reasons to Strength Train
April 5, 2022
Strength training is one of the greatest tools to help you to lose body fat for so many different reasons. I want to take this time to dive deeper into other reasons and benefits of strength training and why more people should be adding it into their routine.
#1: GAIN STRENGTH
The first reason is obvious. Strength training makes you STRONGER. When you are stronger, daily tasks are easier, such as carrying heavy groceries or picking up kids.
#2: IMPROVE HEART HEALTH
The second reason is that strength training actually improves heart health. These types of exercises can decrease blood pressure by improving blood circulation because the heart and blood vessels are strengthened. Also, the heart works less when the body is at a healthier and leaner body weight.
#3 INCREASE METABOLISM
The third reason is that building muscles increases your metabolic rate. When your metabolism is higher, you burn calories more efficiently. Muscles are more metabolically efficient than fat mass, allowing you to burn more calories at rest. Research actually shows that metabolism is increased up to 72 hours after strength training. This means you are still burning additional calories hours after your workout!
#4 REDUCES RISK OF FALLING
The fourth reason is very important and often overlooked. Strength training decreases risk of fall. Falls are a common reason people get hurt. A well-rounded exercise program that includes both balance and resistance training can significantly reduce the chances of falling.
#5 STRENGTHENS BONES
The fifth reason is that strength training makes the bones stronger. Weight-bearing exercises put temporary stress on the bones, ligaments, and joints. This sends a message to the bone-building cells to take action and rebuild bones even stronger. This will reduce risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and falls, especially as you age.
#6 LEANER APPEARANCE
The sixth reason is that you can appear leaner and improve appearance with strength training. As you build more muscle and lose fat, you WILL look leaner. This is because muscles are denser than fat, meaning it takes up less space on your pound for pound. You may lose inches off your waist, even if you don’t see a change in your scale.
#7 BOOST CONFIDENCE
My final reason is that strength training can boost self-esteem and challenge your mentality. Being stronger helps you overcome challenges, work toward a goal, and appreciate your body’s strength. In particular, your self-efficacy can increase- the belief that you are able to succeed at or perform a task. This can improve confidence and help you see the world differently.
