The Health Benefits of Strength Training
The Health Benefits of Strength Training
Exercise in general has many health benefits including supporting our immune system. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. Moderate-intensity activity may include aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, such as walking, running, spinning, cycling, swimming and climbing stairs. Strength training includes disciplines that use resistance from one’s own body weight or from an external source such as dumbbells.
Strength training benefits our physical health in many ways:
Maintain or increase muscle mass, which decreases with age
Strengthen bones
Increase flexibility and balance required for functional movements such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, etc.
Whether you’re starting or maintaining an exercise routine, practice strength training such as squats, push-ups, Pilates and yoga at the gym, studio or in the comfort of your own home. We should aim to move our bodies in different ways as often as we can. Being physically active can be rewarding, especially if we learn to have fun while doing it.
