Strength training or resistance training including weight machines can help the body reach balance and become overall stronger from everything mental-based to physical benefits as well. There are at least 5 major benefits to strength or weight training which include:
1. Stronger bones: Strength training gets bone-forming cells in the bone tissue to create new bone cells. In other words, the resistance stimulates osteoblasts to create new bone tissue. As a result, the impact on the skeletal system is that to help prevent osteoporosis which occurs with aging. Osteoporosis is the weakening of bone tissue which can lead to fractures and immobility. The weight machines essentially help counter the effects of aging during which bone-forming cells lose activity.
2. Better heart health: Through lowering blood pressure and strengthening vessel walls as well as by raising good cholesterol, weight training helps strengthen the heart. Multiple mechanisms in the body coordinate to help the heart overall work less and still do the same work. The effects are significant and can create ripple effects over time keeping one’s heart strong and healthy in the long term.
3. Improved metabolism: Weight training may increase your resting metabolism thereby increasing the number of calories you burn while at rest. Not to mention that food tastes better and you make healthier choices in order to keep the momentum going with good health habits.
4. Better brain health: Weight training can help the cells in the brain to form new connections thereby helping with learning and forming long-term memories. Additionally, the stimulation of the brain helps prevent wear and tear effects from aging preventing Alzheimer’s disease, for example.
5. Better mental health: Weight training can benefit our outlook on life providing positive behavior and outlook through its effects on the brain and body. Additional benefits include self-esteem and motivation. Regulating the brain and body with weight training lets one feel capable and inspired while enjoying and savoring the positive endorphins gained in between workouts.
Regardless of how advanced you are, weight training has multiple benefits that include those above for starters and even experts. Make sure you gain all of the benefits for yourself and join a gym, get a workout buddy, and enjoy the exercise! Keep it up and don’t let go of this habit because your body will thank you for it.