In the quest of a healthy lifestyle, exercise continues to be at the foundation of good health. Resistance training plays a pivotal role in this and can be accessed by all ages. While cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming have long been championed for their heart-health benefits, resistance training, often overlooked, is equally crucial for a strong body, mind and overall well-being. Read on to see why it deserves to hold a key position in your health and fitness regime.
1. Building Strength and Muscle Mass
Building strength and muscle mass is about ensuring your body remains functional and resilient throughout all phases of life while reducing your risk of injury when navigating day to day tasks. Contrary to the common misconceptions, resistance training isn’t simply for people looking to build muscle, it is essential for everyone.
Resistance training, also known as strength or weight training, involves exercises that make your muscles work against a force or weight. This could be through free weights, resistance bands, or using your body weight.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength. Resistance training helps counteract this process, promoting the maintenance and development of muscle, leading to increased strength and endurance.
2. Resistance Training for Weight Management & Metabolic Boost
One of the many perks of resistance training lies in its effect on metabolism. Building muscle through resistance training increases your resting metabolic rate, which means your body burns more calories even at rest. This is particularly significant for weight management and can be a valuable ally in the battle against obesity.
Furthermore, the afterburn effect, scientifically known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), is heightened after resistance workouts. This results in continued calorie burning even after you’ve left the gym, contributing to more efficient fat loss.
3. Enhancing Bone Health and Joint Function
Strong muscles do more than just look good; they provide crucial support for your bones and joints. Resistance training stimulates bone remodelling, increasing bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis – a condition characterized by brittle bones. Moreover, by strengthening the muscles around joints, it can alleviate pain and improve joint function, benefiting those with conditions like arthritis.
According to recent statistics from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, worldwide, 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 years and 1 in 5 men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime.[1] This is evidence of the importance of Resistance Training for women and the shift away from the weights room being a male dominated environment.
4. Improving Mental Health and Overall Well-being
Exercise, in any form, is known to have a profound impact on mental health, and resistance training is no exception. Beyond the physical benefits, it can significantly enhance mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost overall well-being. The sense of accomplishment from progressing in your strength and abilities is quite often empowering and uplifting.
5. Incorporating Resistance Training Into Your Routine
Incorporating resistance training does not need to be daunting. Here at Resolute Resistance you are teamed in small groups with people of a similar ability to you. We are here to coach you to perform movements safely and correctly. We take the guess work out of it by showing you what to do and how to do it to get you the best possible outcomes. Talk to us about making a plan to suit your lifestyle and create a positive routine incorporating resistance training to help you become stronger, fitter, healthier and happier.
Resistance training is not just about lifting weights; it’s a cornerstone of holistic fitness. Its numerous benefits extend beyond aesthetics, impacting overall health, and well-being. Whether you’re aiming to build strength, manage weight, fortify bones, or boost mental health, integrating resistance training into your routine is a powerful step toward a healthier and more resilient you.