Don't for a minute think that strength training is not for you. Even though you may not be an athlete about to compete in a sport or competition, or a body builder. Perhaps you are older, a senior even. What then would you ever need it for?
If you don't regularly participate in a sport or activity that will build and maintain strength, then you are the one most in need of training.
People over 50 especially!
If your concept of strength training is a bunch of muscle-bound lugs grunting and posing in a gym, rest assured that you don't have to go anywhere near the place to benefit from effective strength training.
You also don't have to spend hours in the gym each day to vastly improve and lengthen your active life. After all, what is the point in living a long life if you are unable to get around?
Strength training WILL VASTLY IMPROVE YOUR LIFE!
This is a bold statement, but think about the number of people, men and women both, who are pretty much finished with the fun (active) parts of life by the time they reach 70. Ready for the seniors home and needing care because they haven't the strength and coordination to look after themselves any longer. People in their eighties are far too often in a feeble state of health, no longer able to participate in an active life.
You want to live into your eighties and beyond doing the things that you love...hiking, biking, skiing, walking etc., and keeping up with you kids and grandkids.
If that's not the case then I guess you needn't read any further.
The truth is, improving your strength can benefit everyone regardless of age, gender, fitness level or goals. Just some of the benefits include:
- Losing fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat (from 10-20 calories per pound), so the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn all day long.
- Strengthening bones. Exercise can help preserve bone mass and even stimulate bone growth.
- Burning calories. Not only do you burn calories during the workout, you also experience an after burn if you lift heavy weights or do circuit training. You can actually burn an extra 50 or so calories just from the after burn.
- Increased strength and endurance. With stronger muscles, you're better able to handle daily activities.
- Protection from injuries. Lifting weights makes your connective tissue stronger, so you protect your joints.
- More confidence. People who lift weights report a higher self-esteem and lower instances of depression.
- Improved coordination, muscle control and balance. When you lift weights, you not only strengthen the body, you also teach your muscles how to work together more efficiently.
Strength training is important for everyone, no matter how old you are and it's never to late to start. And, most important, you don't have to follow a complicated program or go to a gym or lift heavy weights to enjoy the benefits.
Cindy Brotherston, CFT, owner of Inspirations Personal Training & Fitness Therapy Studio and the Fitness Trainer Blog
By: Cindy Brotherston
Posted in: Muscle Building