Are you struggling to find the motivation to attend your local gym? What if we told you that resistance training is medicine – a tool to help you become stronger, fitter, and healthier?
This article will discuss resistance training in greater detail, beginning with what it is and followed-up with the many benefits.
What is resistance training?
Resistance training is any form of exercise that involves some kind of resistance, usually defined as lifting weights.
This type of training is not exclusive to bodybuilders, however. It also benefits regular people and athletes across numerous sports.
Incorporating resistance training into your weekly training routine will allow you to reap many benefits.
What are the benefits?
There are several noteworthy benefits, of which are listed below:
- Reduce lower back pain
- Improved mental health
- Reverse aging factors in skeletal muscle
- Improved heart health
Each of these benefits will now be explained in more detail.
Reduce lower back pain
According to a 2012 study by the American College of Sports Medicine, resistance training may help reduce lower back pain. As this is a problem many people tolerate, it can be freeing to know that there is a cure.
That’s right – you don’t have to accept that you’re back will hurt perpetually!
Improved mental health
Regular resistance training (and physical activity) is known to improve mental health. However, why is this the case?
Exercise releases hormones that make us feel good, improving our mood and stimulating our brain – allowing us to feel good!
Reverse aging factors in skeletal muscle
As we age, our skeletal muscle becomes weaker. Notwithstanding this, resistance training can help reverse aging factors, reducing your risk of osteoporosis (a health condition that weakens the bones).
This is crucial – allowing you to reduce your risk of falling, breaking a bone, or generally, remaining healthy and fully able.
Improved heart health
Finally, resistance training will directly improve your heart health, as mentioned by Healthline. Consistent training will reduce blood pressure and sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and other heart-related conditions.
The result? Overall improved heart health.
And many more benefits!
Alongside the benefits of resistance training listed above, there are also many other advantages on offer.
Incorporating one to two strength-training sessions a week is plenty, especially if you’re already pretty active or engage in other forms of exercise throughout the week, whether that’s running, swimming, cycling, or hiking.