The power of strength training and lifting weights
In the quest for a healthy and fit lifestyle, many people focus their energy on just cardio-based exercises, such as power walking, running or cycling. Whilst these types of exercise are important, by incorporating strength training into your workout routine can help take the progression of your fitness journey to the next stage. Let’s look into why strength training should be included in your gym regime…
- Building muscle and boosting your metabolism – Strength training involves exercises that challenge your muscles using resistance. This resistance will stimulate growth and development within your muscles, whilst also providing a boost to your metabolism, meaning you will burn a higher number of calories than if you were doing cardio-based exercises (you will even be burning calories during your rest periods in a workout).
- Improving bone density – Naturally as we age, our bone density decreases. This can lead to health conditions such as osteoporosis. Weight bearing activities in the form of strength training helps promote bone health and increases bone density. By placing stress on your bones when you lift weights, you stimulate them to become stronger and more resilient. In turn, this can reduce the risk of you picking up fractures, whilst generally improving bone health.
- Improving functional fitness – Have you ever struggled lifting heavy objects in everyday life? Maybe lifting up your child, playing sport or carrying your shopping in from the car? By targeting specific muscle groups that may lack that strength, you can improve your functional fitness overall, meaning daily tasks will start becoming much easier.
- Preventing injuries and encouraging longevity – Strength training not only helps prevent injuries by improving muscle strength and joint stability, but also helps promote longevity. As humans age, maintaining a certain level of muscle mass becomes crucial for overall wellbeing and functional independence. By engaging in regular strength training, you can preserve muscle mass, and reduce the risk of falls and age-related health problems.
For more guidance on how to implement strength training and weights into your workout routine, please contact the Cottonmill fitness team.