Resistance training, also known as strength training or weightlifting, involves using resistance, such as weights or resistance bands, to challenge your muscles and build strength. While many people think of resistance training as a way to build big muscles, it actually offers a wide range of benefits beyond just aesthetics.
Here are some of the benefits of resistance training:
1. Builds muscle and strength: Resistance training is an effective way to build muscle and increase strength. As you challenge your muscles with resistance, they adapt and grow stronger over time.
2. Boosts metabolism: Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, meaning that it burns more calories at rest. Resistance training can help increase your muscle mass, which in turn can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day.
3. Improves bone density: Resistance training is a weight-bearing exercise that can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and brittle bones.
4. Enhances functional fitness: Resistance training can improve your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as carrying groceries, lifting children, or climbing stairs.
5. Reduces the risk of injury: Building strength through resistance training can help improve your balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries.
6. Improves mental health: Resistance training has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
7. Increases longevity: Research has shown that resistance training is associated with a lower risk of premature death and an increased lifespan.
Resistance training can be done using a variety of equipment, from free weights and weight machines to resistance bands and bodyweight exercises. It's important to start with a weight or resistance level that's appropriate for your fitness level and gradually increase the intensity over time to avoid injury and get the most benefit.
Using a coach/personal trainer who is qualified in teaching strength and conditioning is highly beneficial. Having a coach breakdown, the movement patterns will really help. But more importantly if a full assessment is given before starting a resistance plan by your coach a needs analysis will be made with the correct exercises put into your personalised program.
Go and get lifting!