Multiple research studies demonstrate that resistance training has a positive relationship to health factors and chronic disease and therefore should be an integral part of an exercise and weight management routine.
Resistance training has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention and management of chronic conditions such as:
- low back pain
- osteoporosis
- loss of skeletal muscle mass that may accompany aging
- diabetes
- susceptibility to falls
- impaired physical function in frail and elderly persons
- prevention of and rehabilitation from orthopedic injuries
Just as there are many different goals and individual variations, there are many different ways to incorporate resistance training.
An example would be resistance training as it applies to fat loss.
- It provides a strong stimulus to preserve the lean body mass your currently have while you're short changed in incoming energy (calories).
- It can stand as a means of expending calories to help establish a calorie deficit.
This is VERY general, however. And resistance training's application would be different for such goals as strength development, power development, etc.
Resistance training offers many benefits to your over all health. This is especially true as we age. Muscle loss usually starts in our 40’s and the decline accelerates after 50. Doing things like getting up out of a chair, carrying a bag of groceries, etc are things we do on a daily basis. As we age these things get more difficult to do because of muscle loss. Resistance training slows and sometimes even stops the muscle loss thereby allowing us to perform our daily activities and keep our independence.
Resistance training provides different cardiovascular benefits than cardio. It is better at increasing blood flow and lowering your blood pressure. Not to mention, resistance training (in addition to cardio) keeps your blood sugar from going on a roller coaster ride.
And, as if you needed more incentive to add resistance training to your work out, it strengthens muscles and increases balance. Having weak muscles and poor balance increases your risk of falls. And, by extension, fractures. And, by further extension, emergency room visits that can have you laid up for weeks. Not sure what types of exercises to do? Check out You: On a Diet and You: Being Beautiful for some simple, but effective resistance exercises.
Resistance training will increase your muscle mass. Increased muscle = Increase in Resting Metabolic Rate. It also provides shape and tone to muscles. If you are wanting to improve you RMR and look great resistance train.
Resistance training is a necessity for increasing strength, improving bone density, and raising metabolism - to name a few benefits. As we age, we have to take pro-active measures to limit the degenerative process of the body. Resistance training will aid in developing strong bones and muscles.
One should incorporate resistance training into a fitness program because the primary way to build lean muscle and burn fat is through resistance training. A fitness program that just incorporates cardio training alone will cause the program to become unbalanced which will cause limited results and frustration.
Resistance training not only builds muscle and strength, it’s great for your bone strength.
Strength training makes everyday chores so much easier. Take for instance carrying grocery bags, pushing the vacuum cleaner, walking up stairs, picking up the kids and pushing the lawn mower and everything else you do. So why not make things easier on yourself? Get lifting.
To keep the answer short, you should do resistance training to build muscle to support your skeletal system. Especially train the core muscles that provide stability for the spine. The other reason you should do resistance training is because muscle is a very active tissue and uses more energy to sustain itself than fat tissue, so if you have more muscle on your body...you will burn more calories. It can be used as a means to lose weight and also weight management.
It is super important to do resistance training. Strength or resistance training can improve your athletic skills and help you prevent injuries caused by working and sports. In my experience a huge number of everyday people and athletes whom will seek resistance training after being injured because, they have not strengthen certain muscles they have neglected from years of sports or hard work. Using resistance training to increase strength in your back, shoulder, chest, biceps, triceps, quads, gluteus, hamstrings, and hips will improve your overall fitness level. Think of resistance training as preventive medicine for your body to decrease risk for injury, increase bone density, preventing back pain, lowering your risk for disease, improving your energy level, improve weight loss, preventing loss of muscle, improving sports performance and keeping you younger. Get with your Personal Trainer or Fitness Expert to figure out a program that works for you, they may be even able to incorporate running into your routine. Keep doing resistance training or get started and don't forget your strength training will build a healthier, fitter you.
Everyone should have some form of resistance training incorporated into their workout routine. Resistance training gives you stronger muscles. The more lean muscle you have the more fat you burn. So it will expedite the weight loss process. Many people feel that resistance training means lifting heavy weights and developing "big muscles." That's not true at all. Resistance training can range from lifting weights, to using bands, or even using your own body weight to do planks or pushups. Overall, it will make you feel and look great!
Resistance training is great exercise for just about everyone. A lot of times we find ourselves caught in the same exercise routine--doing the same motions--training our bodies in the same way-day after day after day. Finding a proper resistance training routine is a great way to break the cycle and mix things up. Also, if you have found yourself doing mainly cardio workouts--that's great but can cause you to neglect a variety of joints and muscles. Resistance training helps to keep your whole body strong. Hope this helps
The real fountain of youth lies in the zealous pursuit of weight training, which—when done correctly—is also aerobic in nature. The muscle-building and hormone-producing effects of weight training hold the true potential to halt the aging process.
Continue Learning about Resistance Training
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.