The Importance Of Strength Training Workouts For Overall Fitness

stay hungryThe Importance Of Strength Training Workouts For Overall Fitness

We all know that certain exercises benefit parts of our body. It is well known that strength training workouts help to improve your balance, increase your fitness levels, and strengthen your bones. They also benefit your heart and can help you to lose weight. This form of training can provide a benefit to people of all ages, and can be very helpful for people suffering from arthritis or a heart condition.

Isotonic versus Isometric

This type of training has been called resistance training because it tones and strengthens your muscles by using a resisting force. There are two types of training that accomplishes this.

The first is isotonic strength training. This is when you contract your muscles while moving them through a range of motion. Weightlifting is a good example of this type of training.

The second is isometric resistance. This is when you are using a stable object to contract your muscles. A good example of this would be holding a plank from the floor.

Both are effective in making you stronger and helping you to get into better shape. No matter which one you choose, you should alternate days to allow your muscles recovery time. Be sure to warm up before your training and to cool down afterwards as well.

Protect Your Muscle Mass And Bone Health

Once you have passed the age of around 30, your body begins to lose muscle strength and bone mass every year. By adding strengthening into your routine you will not only slow down this loss, but also help reverse it as well. Strengthening your muscles can also help in decreasing the effects of pain caused by arthritis, as well as increase the bone density in postmenopausal women reducing the risk of bone fractures.

Strong muscles also help to reduce the strain on the connective tissues and your joints you are exerting yourself or lifting. This helps to protect your back and the joints in your body. Increased muscle fitness helps to improve your heart health. A muscle that is fit and strong performs better with less oxygen. This means your heart does not have to work as hard to pump when you are active.

Maintain Your Weight Loss

These resistance exercises can also help you to lose weight. While at rest muscle tissue burns more calories per day than fat tissue. Even after training, your body continues to burn calories even at rest. Strengthening your muscles can be a very effective way to boost your metabolism and provide a continuing calorie burn throughout the day.

Stay Healthy

It has also been shown that regular strength training can help your body to fight free radicals. Those that incorporate weightlifting or other exercises such as lunges, squats, push-ups, or pull-ups into their regular workouts have less damage from free radicals and their body than those who are just sedentary.

Strength training has benefits for everyone. It is recommended adults should add this into their fitness routine at least twice a week (4 x week is optimal)  using all their major muscle groups. With all the benefits that it has to offer, incorporating this type of training into your routine is a good choice. If you would like more info on our coaching services, please submit a consultation request here.