Benefits of Strength Training
The benefits of a great strength training regimen are unlimited. Less illness, more happiness and above all, showing off your muscles.
Strength training really should be a part of everyone's routine. Even if you don't have a lot of time, strength training is, according to the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), only requires 2 to 3 times a week with each session lasting no more one hour. For 2 to 3 hours a week, incredible benefits can be achieved.
Regular strength training will:
**make it easier to perform day-to-day activities around the house and in your yard. It will help you stay independent which is particularly important for older people. Imagine yourself not being able to lift a five lb bag of flour or take the trash out by yourself. Sad, isn't it?
**lower the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes.
**reduce lower back pain.
**increase bone density which can be extremely essential for post menopausal women.
**increase muscle mass which burns a lot more calories throughout the day compared with how much an equal amount of fat burns calories.
Even with all these positive aspects, a lot of people are unwilling to start weight training. Their concerns may include possible injury due to incorrect form and for women; unwilling to develop muscles and look like a man.
When you begin your strength training program, the risk of getting injured can be reduced by starting out with machines rather than free weights. Once you become more comfortable with the machines, gradually start using free weights. If you want to continue with the machines, be aware that they will give you the same benefits as free weights. As for the women's concern about becoming masculine, it will not happen without steroids, which you should not be using any way.
Often when we think about being healthy, we think about dieting and cardio. Even though these are very important, strength training should never be forgotten. Strength training provides excellent benefits for your health that can't be found with any other form of exercise.
