Our Arklife health and wellness coach, Sarah from FitCulture, shares her thoughts on the benefits of strength training for your physical and mental health.
When it comes to working out, there are many different types of exercises you can do to improve your fitness levels. One type that you might be overlooking is strength training. Strength training involves lifting weights, using resistance bands or doing body weight exercises to build muscle strength and endurance. Below are the detailed benefits of adding strength training to your fitness routine.
Physical Benefits
Increased Muscle Strength: Strength training can help increase your muscle strength and endurance, which can lead to improved performance in other types of exercises and daily activities.
Improved Body Composition: Strength training can help reduce body fat, increase muscle mass and improve overall body composition.
Better Bone Health: Strength training can help increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Improved Balance and Coordination: Strength training can improve your balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Reduces the risk of injury: By building strength and muscle mass, you can also reduce your risk of injury, especially in activities that require physical exertion.
Improves posture: Strength training can also help to improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support your spine.
Mental Benefits
Boosts confidence: When you start to see the results of your strength training, it can boost your confidence and self-esteem. You'll feel stronger, more capable and more empowered.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise is a proven stress-reliever, and strength training is no exception. By focusing on your workout and pushing yourself to lift heavier weights, you can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood.
Increases mental toughness: Strength training can also help to increase your mental toughness and resilience. By pushing yourself to lift heavier weights and overcome physical challenges, you'll develop a sense of mental toughness that can translate to other areas of your life.
Improves cognitive function: Research has shown that strength training can also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.
Strength training offers many physical and mental benefits that can help improve your overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating strength training into your fitness routine, you can build muscle strength and endurance, improve body composition, reduce stress and anxiety and increase self-confidence.