Why is strength training important? A person’s strength is crucial in performing everyday activities and tasks. Strength training usually includes exercises that burn calories efficiently, reduce body fat percentage, and increase lean muscle mass. Throughout the article, you will learn about why strength training is important in your exercise routine.
Why is strength training important?
Generally, strength training provides many benefits:
Weight Management
Strength training helps individuals develop better metabolism and achieve their ideal weight due to the inherent calorie-burning factor of the exercises.
Manage Chronic Conditions
The same exercises used to increase body strength can slow down the development of chronic conditions, as well as help reduce the severity of their symptoms. People with conditions such as arthritis, obesity, back pain, heart disease, diabetes, and depression can benefit from strength training.
Development of Bones
Strength training can positively affect bone density and strength, while simultaneously reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Improved Cognitive Abilities
Why is strength training important? Though it seems far-fetched at first, research implies that regular exercise can help adults improve their thinking and learning skills.
Enhanced Overall Quality of Life
Strength training can enhance quality of life and improve the individual’s ability to complete everyday tasks without difficulty. It also helps build balance and reduces the risk of falls and stumbles.
Examples of Strength Exercises
Exercise may be conducted in the gym or at home, with the latter being the safer option during public health emergencies. The most common choices include:
Experts recommend brisk walking for 5-10 minutes and stretching is completed before working out. If you are over 40 years of age, or have a chronic condition, it is best to consult your doctor before beginning any form of exercise.
Important note: Static stretching that lasts 30 seconds or more is not recommended before performing strength exercises. Muscles have a specific length to what the person’s body is used to. If you were to stretch right before an exercise, it may actually harm how many reps you would be able to perform in that set. Stretching is recommended during cooldown or active rest days.
For a well-rounded workout plan, as well as tips on how to exercise safely, consult a certified fitness professional trainer. They can better explain why is strength training important and what you can do to improve your overall health.
Specific Strength Exercises
Activities classified as strength training can be used to target specific muscle areas. Depending on the person’s needs, there are a myriad of exercises one can do in the gym or at home to develop muscle strength:
- Weight lifting
- Hill walking
- Workout with resistance bands
- Cycling
- Push ups and sit ups
- Yoga and Pilates
- Calf raises and leg lifts
- Bicep curls and pull ups
Effects of Fatigue and Overexertion
Fatigue is a common side effect for people who work out. However, some individuals are prone to overexertion, which refers to your body experiencing difficulty coping with the amount of work done on your muscles. A key to developing body strength is to understand your limits and to avoid overexertion, as it often leads to injuries.
A recommendation, especially for beginners, is to try doing strength training for all of your muscle groups at least two days per week. Never train the same muscle group two days in a row, as this may lead to overexertion.
Key Takeaway
Why is strength training important? In conclusion, strengthcan improve overall health and fitness level of all individuals. Those who are new to exercise should consult a doctor and licensed fitness instructor before starting a new routine.
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