5 Reasons Why You Need Strength Training

Decreases your body fat percentage
 

To lose body fat lean muscle is required. Having more muscle mass will help your body increase the amount of calories it burns. It is possible to be thin and still have a higher body fat percentage than someone with more muscle. Doing strength exercises can help tone and show muscle definition regardless of body type.
 

Helps with age prevention

When paired with neuromuscular exercises chances of injuries and falls decrease as they combine to help mobility and everyday movement patterns. Resistance training has also been found to increase resting metabolic rate(RMR) which usually lowers as we age. Also doing resistance training fights the loss of muscle mass known as sarcopenia. Strength training is also found to prevent osteoporosis as it augments bone mineral density.

The after-burn effect

There’s an after burn effect which is the extra calories that are burned up until 72 hours after doing an intense workout.

Resistance training and heart health

Strength training is recommended at least 2 times a week by the American heart association as weight lifting lowers the blood pressure, when lifting heavy stress on the heart decreases, it also helps to improve cholesterol. So overall, having muscular fitness is very important for the heart.

Tools for resistance/strength training

Bodyweight exercises, medicine balls, resistance bands, weight machines, kettlebells, and also free weights like dumbbells. Just make sure you understand correct form and proper movement. Because of the strain placed on the heart during resistance training especially during heavy loading, it is important to warm up properly before training.

Take home message

So be sure to add strength training to your workout program as it helps you drop bodyweight and body fat percentage, helps maintain a healthy heart, and also increases the amount of calories you burn throughout the day.

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