Three Lesser Known Benefits Of Strength Training
If you are looking to lose weight, increase muscle mass or stay fit, you may be looking into strength training. However, most people already know that form of exercise helps to burn calories, helps you lose weight and keep it off when you hit your targeted weight and helps to build lean muscle in the body. But what you may not know is that there are many other benefits to strength training. Here are three of the lesser known benefits of strength training.
May Minimize Your Risk of Certain Diseases
Research has recently shown that two 15 to 20 minute strength training sessions per week can help to decrease your risk factors for low glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. These conditions increase the chances of you developing diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. As such, on of the major benefits to strength training is that it may minimize your risk for these disease with a very little time investment on your part.
Helps Your Mood
Another benefit to strength training is that it can help your mood. Strength training can be beneficial to your mood in many ways. First, strength training is a form of exercise, and when you exercise, you release endorphins. These endorphins make you feel naturally happier, which can help to reduce or prevent the symptoms of depression or simply make you in a happier mood. Strength training also has been shown to minimize or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. It is believed that endorphins also play a role in this, but it is not sure exactly how. Lastly, strength training can help you sleep better at night, which can also positively affect your mood.
Strengthens Your Bones
The last benefit of strength training that you may be unaware of is that it can help to strengthen your bones. Most people know that strength training works to strengthen muscles, but they do not realize that it can help to strengthen the bones. It is believed that strength training puts pressure on the bones. This additional pressure forces the bones to adapt and strengthen. This process is called the osteogenic effect and can help to strengthen the bones in people of all ages.
Strength training can be beneficial. If you are interested in starting a strength training program, first consult with your doctor. Once they have given you the o.k., a personal trainer can help develop a strength training routine for you based on your current age, weight and physical fitness level.
