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The Benefits of Weight Training
Author: Yvonne Rayburn, CPT
The Benefits of Weight Training
Physical, Physiological and Mental
By Yvonne Rayburn, CPT
It is no secret that there are many benefits associated with weight training. Too many to mention in this article! The benefits of weight training encompass physical, physiological and mental areas.
Many people who start a weight training program feel changes immediately in terms of balance, coordination and strength. In the first few weeks of lifting, many of these changes come about because a person gains skill in the new activity. During this time the nervous system also encounters a change that helps us use the muscles that were inactive before we started a weight training program. Physical changes start in the muscle after about six weeks. This is called hypertrophy or an increase in the size of the muscle. A major benefit of weight training is that it keeps the muscles from atrophying, or shrinking. It is true, if you don’t use it, you lose it and weight training benefits everyone by helping with everyday tasks such as carrying groceries to the car, lifting a toddler, or even just walking and bending over to get the paper out of the driveway. Increased strength through weight training is also important to bone health. Keeping bones strong and healthy is very important so a person doesn’t end up with osteoporosis or weak bones that can lead to injuries and fractures.
Dictionary.com defines physiology as the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities or living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes. There are also physiological benefits of weight training. Not only does weight training help muscles grow stronger, it also increases the ability for them to recover from the stress of every day life. Deterioration of physical fitness associated with aging may also be reduced by a regular weight training program. Increased metabolic rate, reduction in resting blood pressure, decreased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, positive changes in blood lipid profiles and improved posture are just a few of these benefits. Increased self esteem, personal physical independence and enhanced physical activity experiences are other benefits that come with a consistent program of weight training. Weight loss and maintenance due to increase metabolism and calorie burns are also great benefits that motivate many people to continue their weight training program.
From a mental standpoint, anyone who has participated in a consistent weight lifting program for an extended period (or even a short period) of time can certainly list the mental benefits. Increased strength leads to more self confidence and more self confidence leads to greater success in all areas of life. In addition, as changes start to occur to physical appearance, self esteem is gained. As with gains in self confidence, increased self esteem allows a person to reach out and try things that they may not have done in the past. Another mental benefit is simply the clear mind and increased energy level that is achieved after a weight training session. While it is true that many people work out for the physical benefits (weight loss, more muscle definition, increased strength), some people simple enjoy the fact that they feel better and have more energy to live and enjoy life as a result of a consistent resistance training program. And after all, isn’t living a longer, happier, healthier life what it is all about?!
To get assistance with creating a weight training program that is tailored to your needs, check out HyperStrike.com’s sample workout and sign up to become a member and get your custom workout program!
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