Just a few reasons why you need to add strength training to your routine...
Besides looking and feeling great, there are many amazing benefits to be had from strength training consistently. Let's find out more about your gains (ladies this means you too!)
Benefit #1: Maintaining Muscle Tissue
Around when you turn 30 years old, growth hormones decrease dramatically in the body. Because of this, you could lose about 8-10% of your muscle tissue every decade. Muscles are the basis of your metabolism, so if your muscles decrease by 8-10%, your metabolism will also decrease by 8-10%.
By strength training twice per week you will change that 8-10% to ONLY 1-2% every decade. That means if you simply strength train twice per week, at age 80 you will be 5-10% less of the person you were when you were 30!!
Benefit #2: Increased Strength
Increased strength allows you to lift heavier objects. Shortly after beginning a strength training program, you will find that daily tasks seem much easier. This translates into your personal life on many levels. Think lifting a 20 pound weight at the gym and then heading home to lift your 20 pound child. Phew, what a great workout!
Benefit #3: Improved Bone Health
Strength training is effective in increasing bone density and strengthening tendons and ligaments. Developing strong bones reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and decreases the risk of bone fractures.
Benefit #4: Controlled Body Fat
Building muscle actually helps to more effectively burn calories. Did you know that muscle burns three times the amount of calories that fat burns?! The more muscle tone you have, the higher your metabolism will become.
Benefit #5: Decreased Risk of Injury
Improving muscle strength decreases the risk of falling and other related injuries. Developing strong bones and muscles can help to reduce the severity of falls. Increased strength will also allow your body to be more resistant to injuries, and general aches and pains.
Now that you know some of the MANY benefits of strength training, let's get to it! Please remember to always practice proper form when weight lifting. For more information, talk to one of our trainers.