-Deva Narayan
When you think of strength training, it’s easy to picture bodybuilders and athletes lifting heavy weights in a gym – but it’s not just for the young or those looking to put on muscle. More and more people are becoming aware that strength training is vital for fitness, and well-being, and according to an article by Harvard Health – key to staying healthy as you age.
Muscles aren’t the only part of your body that benefits from regular weight training – strong muscles can help improve your bone health too. As you age, you lose muscle mass resulting in weaker muscles and bones. While everyone loses muscle as they get older, women can also develop osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones). Muscles use energy when working out, which releases little impact on their tendons ‘pulling at them’. Creating this stress causes your brain/bones to absorb more minerals and helps build overall bone density, in turn making them stronger, ensuring healthier joints reduce injury risk.
Strength training is also an important part of weight management and body composition. While running, cycling, and other cardiovascular activities are often stressed as key to weight loss, you shouldn’t forget that muscles are a huge factor in your metabolism, simply because they burn more calories than fat. The result? Put on muscle mass and your resting metabolic rate increases, helping you manage your weight (as long as you don’t take in more calories than you eat) and giving you a lean look. The reason muscle burns more calories is that it’s denser, requiring less space. So even if the scales aren’t saying what you want them to say, increasing muscle mass through strength training will make you look better.
Another motivation for continuing strength conditioning is the gain in physical power and functional fitness; having stronger muscles makes everything easier. From toting groceries up flights of stairs to playing with children or grandchildren – all that we do effortlessly builds based on better muscle tone. This may mean the difference between dependence and maintaining independence for older women, underscoring how vital this piece can be for their lives.
Strength training also helps to maintain cardiovascular health. While it may not be as intense as aerobic exercise, it helps promote heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol by helping to strengthen the heart or reduce blockage risk Combining strength exercises with aerobics makes an ideal combination of healthy heart support.
In conclusion, strength training offers a multitude of benefits for women, from enhancing bone health and managing weight to improving mental well-being and functional fitness. Incorporating strength training into a regular fitness routine can lead to a healthier, stronger, and more empowered lifestyle. Women should embrace strength training as an integral part of their fitness journey, reaping the rewards of both physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, there’s a place for strength training in your routine, tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.