You either use it or lose it!
After puberty, men and women both begin to lose about one percent of their bone and muscle strength every year. A complete workout plan should include strength training for this very reason. There are countless benefits to incorporating strength training into your regular routine. Strength training can be very influential in reducing the signs and symptoms of numerous diseases and chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain and even depression.
Once you begin to incorporate strength training into your regular workout routine, you’ll begin to notice how much easier everyday tasks like lifting, carrying groceries and walking up stairs have become. You will also notice an increased muscle strength, power and endurance. Strength training can improve your overall body flexibility. Increased flexibility reduces the risk of muscle pulls and back pain. The likelihood of you injuring yourself will also decrease because your strong muscles, tendons and ligaments will be less likely to give way under stress. Increased bone density and strength reduces back and knee pain by building muscle around these areas.
You will lose fat while also gaining muscle. Your body will burn more calories when it’s resting. Your weight may fluctuate due to this but over the course of time, you will also notice that your overall measurements are decreasing. (This is why you should avoid the scale and focus on your measurements)! What you will end up with is a firmer and better-defined body. Your balance and stability will also improve, which will help you to stand and sit straighter and much more comfortably, with the end result being improved posture.
Yet, another perk of strength training is it allows you to sleep better and is even an effective tool for managing stress. Let’s face it: we can all use better ways to manage stress, right?
With all the benefits listed here, what excuse do you have to NOT add strength training to your workout routine?
Tracy Springs is a fitness instructor at LA Fitness. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] with any questions or to set up a fitness appointment at the LA Fitness Waukegan facility
