Fitness Guru Dawn Braud - 5 benefits of strength training 04/20 - Fitness

Click here to listen to Dawn talk about the 5 benefits of strength training.

1. It helps you lose fat

When you lift weights, you build lean muscle which is more metabolically active than fat, which means muscle burns more calories for you.  By lifting weights on a regular basis, you not only burn calories while you lift, but you burn them 24 hours a day to keep the muscle you are building.  Regular strength training is just as important as cardio exercise for losing fat and getting fit.

2. It makes you strong

While it may seem obvious that lifting weights makes you stronger, what some people forget is that it doesn't just make you strong for working out. The benefits translate into other aspects of our lives. Everything else becomes a little easier such as carrying groceries, housework, gardening, carrying the kids, lifting and pushing objects that you may have had to ask for help with in the past. Lastly, weight lifting doesn't just make your muscles stronger; it makes your bones stronger too which can help reduce your risk for and manage osteoporosis (bone loss).

3. It reduces your risk of injury

Another benefit of strength training is that it affects everything, not just your muscles and bones. When you lift weights, you are able to strengthen connective tissue that supports your joints, back and posture.  These include the ligaments and tendons that keep your body moving properly and with less chance for injury and pain.

4. It can reduce arthritis pain

Many people with arthritis are fearful of lifting weights.  They believe it will further damage the joints.  Quite the opposite is true. Recent studies have shown that arthritis sufferers who lifted weights actually reduced their joint pain. By strengthening the muscles, this will aid in cushioning and protecting the joints during impact activities such as walking.

5. It increases balance, stability and flexibility

If we do not preserve and take care of our muscles with lifting weights, then as we age the muscles get smaller and weaker. We are more inclined then to lose our balance, sense of stability and our joint flexibility.  All of this can lead to an increase in falling, breaking bones and a loss of our independence.