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How
important is strength training, really?
Article By: Cassie Findley, MSEd and
Chassati Thiele
Strength training offers benefits
beyond stronger muscles.
Strength
training is an important part of your workout, and beneficial for
countless reasons. Many common diseases are positively affected by
a regular mix of cardiovascular and strength training. A circuit
training workout is a perfect way to easily incorporate strength
training into your workout routine. Why is strength training such
an important part of a complete workout program?
Less
Risk of Heart Disease. Heart disease is consistently the
leading cause of death in North American women. Dedication to a
regular strength training routine can decrease cholesterol and
lower blood pressure, ensuring a happier heart!
Improved
and Restored Bone Density. Osteoporosis is a major concern
among women. Once total bone mass has peaked—around age 35—all
adults start to lose it. In women, the rate of bone loss speeds up
after menopause, when estrogen levels fall. Studies have proven
time and time again that consistent strength training can increase
and restore bone density, preventing and improving symptoms of
osteoporosis.
Injury
Prevention. We use our core muscles for each and every
activity throughout the day, from getting out of bed in the
morning to feeding the pets or even hugging our kids before they
hop on the school bus. Small tasks can sometimes cause big,
inconvenient injuries in an unconditioned body. Strength training
helps prevent common, everyday aches and pains and arms you with
the confidence to take on anything life sends your way.
Enhanced
Balance, Flexibility, Mobility and Stability. As people age,
poor balance and flexibility increase the likelihood of falls and
broken bones. These accidents can result in significant disability
and, in some cases, fatalities. Strength training increases a
person's flexibility and balance, which decreases the probability
and severity of falls. One study in New Zealand of women 80 years
of age and older, showed a 40% reduction in falls with simple
strength and balance training.
Improved
Metabolic Rate and Lean Muscle Mass. Strength training is the
best way to build lean muscle mass, consequently speeding up
metabolism and burning additional calories each day. One pound of
muscle requires more calories to maintain than one pound of fat,
so the more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn.
Every pound of muscle burns about 35 calories per day, and each
pound of fat burns two to three calories daily.
Now that you know the facts, make strength training a priority in
your workout routine. Just 30 minutes three times per week at your
gym will satisfy your strength training needs and leave you
feeling and looking better.
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to you by Curves ®, the world's leader in women's health
and fitness
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