Excellent article on the many benefits of strength training or resistance training (RE). With an extra bonus benefit for our modern times.
Depending on the type of strength training you choose to reach your goals, you can use various equipment (or none at all), such as number 1.
- Body weight: using your own body weight and the force of gravity to perform various movements (e.g., pushups, squats, planks, pullups, and lunges)
- Free weights: equipment not bound to the floor or a machine, such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, or objects around the house
- Resistance bands/loop bands: rubber bands that provide resistance when stretched
- Weight machines: machines with adjustable weights or hydraulics attached to provide resistance and stress to the muscles
- Suspension equipment: consists of ropes or straps that are anchored to a sturdy point in which a person uses their body weight and gravity to perform various exercises
Regardless of the type of strength training you perform, the goal is to put your muscles under tension to allow neuromuscular adaptations and stimulate muscle growth. With regular practice, your muscles will become stronger.
- 1. Makes you stronger
- 2. Burns calories efficiently
- 3. Decreases abdominal fat
- 4. Can help you appear leaner
- 5. Decreases your risk of falls
- 6. Lowers your risk of injury
- 7. Improves your heart health
- 8. Helps manage your blood sugar levels
- 9. Promotes greater mobility and flexibility
- 10. Boosts your self-esteem
- 11. Makes your bones stronger
- 12. Boosts your mood
- 13. Improves brain health
- 14. Promotes a better quality of life
BONUS:
15. Muscle strength predicts hospital length of stay in patients with COVID
Those with the lowest muscle mass had the longest hospital stays for the COVID admission.
Yours in health-
Dr.Pappas and the Pappas Health team
