The benefits of strength training: Building a stronger, healthier you

Strength training, also known as resistance training or weightlifting, is a form of exercise that involves using resistance to induce muscular contraction, which builds strength, endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.

- RAVI SHREERAM

While often associated with bodybuilders or athletes, strength training offers a wide array of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the advantages of strength training are far-reaching and well-supported by scientific research.

WHAT IS STRENGTH TRAINING?

Strength training involves exercises that make your muscles work harder than usual by lifting weights, using resistance bands, or even your own body weight. Common forms include lifting dumbbells or barbells, using weight machines, performing bodyweight exercises like push-ups or squats, and resistance band workouts. The goal is to progressively overload muscles to stimulate growth and strength gains.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING

1. Increases Muscle Mass and Strength The most obvious benefit of strength training is increased muscle mass and strength. As muscles adapt to resistance, they grow bigger and stronger, improving your ability to perform daily activities such as lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. This helps maintain functional independence, especially as you age.

2. Enhances Bone Health Strength training is crucial for maintaining and improving bone density. Bones respond to the stress placed on them by becoming denser and stronger, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This is particularly important for older adults and postmenopausal women, who are at higher risk of bone loss.

3. Supports Weight Management and Fat Loss Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so building muscle through strength training increases your resting metabolic rate.

This means you burn more calories throughout the day, which can help with weight management and fat loss. Additionally, strength training helps prevent the loss of muscle mass that often occurs with dieting or aging.