Strength training builds muscle and increases your metabolism but did you know that it does much more for you as far as your health goes?
* Weights improve immunity - Immune strength depends on the availability of the amino acid glutamine. Your muscles have to supply the glutamine to your immune system in order for it to work. Therefore the more muscle you have the more abundant the glutamine supply, and the better your immune system works and helps fight free radicals!
* Weights develop strong bones - By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
* Weights combat Diabetes - New studies published between 1995 and 2000 show that weight training has an unexpected benefit - it improves glucose tolerance in patients with Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes.
* Weights help protect your joints and your back - More muscle power means you put less strain on joints and connective tissue when lifting or exerting.
* Weights raise testosterone - Did you know that strength training is one of the best exercises to raise testosterone levels in men and women! With strength training the levels of both testosterone and growth hormone rise dramatically. This is the youth hormone!
* Keeps you young - Since loss of strength and muscle mass are the prime causes of most age-related diseases a lifelong strength training program is one of the best insurance policies for a better quality of life for both men and women.
* Avoid muscle loss - Beginning at age 20, adults lose about one-half pound of muscle each year partially due to decreased activity levels. Strength training can help to slow down or reverse this muscle loss.
* Healthy for your heart - Strong muscles can perform better with less oxygen meaning the heart doesn't have to pump hard when you are active...this is also good for your blood pressure.
* Reduce body fat - Muscle tissue burns as much as 15 times more calories per day than does fat tissue...even at rest!
* Improve your sense of well-being - Strength training can boost your self confidence, improve your body image and reduce the risk of depression...gotta love that!
There are several options to pick from when doing strength training exercises, you can use resistance tubing, free weights, weight machines or your own body weight. Mix it up and see what works best for you.
Beachbody offers a lot of choices when it comes to this so check it out! Best part is you can do it at home on your own time.
Hope that helps you to understand how important it is to incorporate strength training into your workouts!
In Gratitude!
Comments