A well-rounded health and fitness program includes a few different components: endurance, strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility, and balance. For now, let’s take a closer look at strength training.
If you’re picturing bodybuilders when you see the word “strength training,” then let’s back up. Weight-bearing movements where you use free weights or your bodyweight qualify as strength training. It can be as simple as squats and push-ups, no bodybuilding needed.
The American Heart Association recommends strength training and resistance training at least two days a week. And here are a few reasons why strength training belongs in your workouts:
1. To increase or maintain muscle mass
We’ve all heard the saying, “muscle burns more calories than fat.” When you increase your muscle mass, your body’s resting metabolic rate also increases. That’s where the extra calorie burn comes from. How do you increase your muscle mass? Strength training! As we get older, we start to lose muscle mass, but strength training can help you keep (or sometimes even increase) what you have.
2. To increase or maintain bone density
Like lean muscle mass, bone density also decreases later life. However, weight-bearing strength training exercises can help keep your bones strong and healthy. By maintaining your bone density through regular strength training, you’re less likely to experience bone fractures.
3. To improve your quality of life
While it’s true that strength training benefits your muscles and bones, it also helps your quality of life. Once you make regular strength training part of your workouts, you’ll feel the difference. The things you do on a daily basis, get easier. Your risk for injury decreases. And when you feel better, stronger, and more fit, it has a positive impact on your mind, as well.
To learn more about the performance and fitness programs we’re currently offering at Pinnacle Performance and Fitness in Corpus Christi, contact us today.