Strength training is exercise that uses resistance to strengthen and condition the musculoskeletal system, enhancing muscle tone and endurance.
“Strength training” is commonly used as a general term synonymous with other common terms: “weightlifting” and “resistance training.”
Physiologically, the benefits of regular strength training include an increase in muscle size and tone, increased muscular strength, and increases in tendon, bone, and ligament strength.
Lifting weights has also been shown to improve psychological mental health by increasing self-esteem, confidence and self-worth.
1. Improved Physical Appearance and Performance
One important result of strength training is increased physical performance and overall appearance and body composition. Muscles quite literally utilize energy to produce movement, functioning as the engine or powerhouse of the body. Strength training increases the muscles’ size, strength, and endurance, which contribute to improvements in our work, favorite sports hobbies, and our general day-to-day activities.
2. Increased Metabolic Efficiency
Our muscles have high-energy requirements. Even when we are sleeping, our muscles use more than 25% of our energy (calories). When you implement the principles of effective strength training and you are consistent in your program, you will achieve an increase in lean muscle mass throughout your body and increase your BMR. In other words, you can actually condition your metabolism to work better and more efficiently even when you are at rest.
3. Decreased Risk of Sustaining an Injury
Our muscles also function as shock absorbers and serve as important balancing agents throughout our body. Well-conditioned muscles help to lessen the repetitive landing forces in weight-bearing activities such as jogging or playing basketball. Well-balanced muscles reduce the risk of injuries that result when a muscle is weaker than its opposing muscle group.
So, weightlifting should be an essential part of your exercise and physical activity routine. Weightlifting provides numerous important benefits that cannot be achieved by any other exercise or activity.