Benefits of resistance training
Lifting weights, strength training, pumping iron - these are all terms which, more often than not, are used to describe resistance training. Now, resistance training is a broad term - it covers a vast amount of different forms and types of exercise, performed by all different types of people. It doesn’t have to mean lifting very heavy weights, or performing olympic lifts, or even going to the gym at all. Resistance training is exactly that - exercise which incorporates some form of ‘resistance’ that you are working to lift or move. However you perform it, resistance training is one of the best things you can do for your health, and here are some of the reasons why:
Stronger muscles, bones and joints:
This is a benefit you are probably aware of already! Regularly taking part in resistance training will leave you stronger all throughout your body. Having strong muscles makes you more capable in your every day life, as well as supporting you in any sport you may take part in. It will make it easier for you to carry the shopping, pick up your kids, shrug off an opposition player in a tackle, move furniture… whatever it is you do, or want to do!
Not only that, but by strengthening your bones and joints (including connective tissues), it decreases the likelihood of you getting injured whilst doing any of these activities.
Improved mobility:
Despite what you may have heard, consistent resistance training will improve your mobility. By practising strength exercises to full ranges of motion, you will not only find yourself able to access greater ranges of motion, but you will also be stronger and more stable in them, too. Having greater mobility is again hugely practical in day to day life, as well as being associated with less pain and stiffness. Who doesn’t want to move more freely and with less impediment?
Prevent muscle loss as we age:
It is true that as we get older, we tend to experience muscle loss. While we can’t stop this process entirely, we can prevent it happening too soon, and slow down the process with a combination of good nutrition and… you guessed it: resistance training. The benefits of resistance training to us as we age are immense - and are almost guaranteed to deliver a better quality of life. Staying strong as we get old will decrease our risk of falling or hurting ourselves, as well as allowing us to maintain function (aka doing whatever we want) for as long as possible.
Better Posture & Shape:
A good resistance training program will help strengthen muscles all over the body, helping you to hold a better posture in the process. A good, upright posture can decrease the risk of pain or stiffness in certain areas (ie shoulders or lower back), but also simply helps us to look stronger or ‘better’, too. Similarly, developing our muscles can help us to achieve a more ‘athletic’ shape.
Decreased risk of Chronic Illness:
Regular resistance training exercise is linked to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as an association between resistance training and reduced risk of several other chronic diseases (cancer, type 2 diabeters and cardiovascular disease). The bottom line is, following a healthy lifestyle that includes regular resistance training seems to reduce your risk of many long-term illnesses, and reduces your risk of all-cause mortality. Not a bad upside, eh?
Confidence:
The mental and psychological benefits of resistance training should not be under-stated. Lifting weights, practising strength training or any other type of resistance training can massively bosst your confidence in everyday life, for many of the reasons stated above. You fill fitter, stronger, more capable. You hold yourself with better posture and have a more athletic shape. All of these can contribute to generally feeling more confident in and out of the gym. Who doesn’t enjoy feeling strong and capable, after all?
That’s not even to go into the feelings of well-being that many people feel as a result of exercise (resistance training or otherwise), and the ‘mood-boosting’ effects that exercise can have!
Resistance training is one of the best things that you can do for your overall health. Making a consistent routine of resistance training can have huge benefits on your long-term health and longevity.
If you are interested in starting a resistance training program, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by clicking the link below. Helping people to get fitter and healthier through lifting weights is what we do.
