Awesome Benefits of Strength Training for the Body and Mind
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Whether you are going working out at a gym or your home gym, you probably know that bodyweight exercises can make you fitter and stronger. However, not many people realize that strength training has more benefits for both the body and mind. Below are the benefits of weight lifting that will inspire you to hit the weight room:
Boosts your Metabolism
If your body has more muscles, it can burn fat efficiently at rest. Weight lifting is one of the Best Home Fitness Exercises that lets you burn more calories and fat than you would when you perform cardio exercises. Straining might be more strenuous but once you have built the muscles, they will do the rest for you.
Build Stronger Bones
Weight lifting is an effective way to build muscle mass and increase bone density which is essential as you get older. With aging, your body can become more prone to a natural decline. Because of the risk of osteoporosis, it becomes essential to build stronger bones to avoid the possibility of fractures.
Improve your Heart Health
Studies show that spending a few hours on weight lifting every week can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. The activity may boost your cardiovascular health better than running. However, you can achieve optimal physical fitness by performing both aerobic activity and strength training.
Improve your Sleep Quality
Resistance training has been found to help in dealing with sleep problems. Practicing moderate-intensity resistance training can help you have better sleep quality which can result in more energy throughout the following day. However, you must avoid doing intense weight lifting before bedtime could disrupt your sleep. Thus, know when to work out.
Stay Sharp
As you build muscle strength, your brain function can improve. Indeed, studies have claimed that resistance training may help older adults who have mild cognitive impairment improve their cognitive function. Experts say that the stronger you become the greater benefit for your brain.
Manage Diabetes
Those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes must include weight training or some strength exercises into their routine. Experts emphasize the need to tone the muscles to more effectively control blood glucose levels.
Help Manage Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. Strength training is found to help in treating different kinds of chronic pain such as lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. This has to do with its ability to help build more muscles and fat.
Increase Flexibility
Researchers found out that full-range resistance training exercises can improve flexibility. But, if you cannot complete the full motion with a given weight, you may have to use a lighter dumbbell and work up to it.
Improve Digestion
Aside from toning your abs, strength training conditions the organs behind them. While performing strength training exercises, your blood gets flowing and goes to your stomach, benefiting the digestive tract. This can help in better controlling blood sugar and elevating metabolism. Strength training lets you massage your stomach internally, promoting healthy digestion and detoxifying your organs.