Did you know that strength training (free weights, weight machines, or your body weight) can help you look and feel better? It can also make you stronger. Keep reading to learn about some of the many benefits of strength training. We even include some simple exercises you can do around the house.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
The more you strength train, the more you build your muscles. But it’s not just your biceps, triceps, and glutes; your heart is also a muscle. If you train regularly, you will increase your aerobic capacity. You’ll be in better physical shape, meaning you won’t feel fatigued after a few minutes of exercise, and improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Burn Calories Quickly
Building muscle increases your metabolic rate. Once muscles have a quicker metabolism, they can burn fat more efficiently. The process also allows the body to burn more calories at rest and while active. The cherry on top is that after strength training, your metabolic rate stays high for up to 72 hours after completing the routine.
Develop Better Body Mechanics
Strength training improves balance, coordination, and posture. That means better body mechanics all around!
Support and Develop Strong Bones
The older we get, the easier it is to develop bone disorders like osteoporosis. Strength training minimizes your risk of developing brittle, easy-to-break bones.
Control Your Weight
It may not happen immediately, but you’ll see gradual changes over time. Once you gain muscle, your body transforms, becoming leaner. It goes hand-in-hand with what we mentioned earlier: burning calories.
At-Home Strength Training
What resistance exercises can you do at home?
- Crunches
- Lunges
- Push-ups
- Squats
- Step-ups
- Leg kicks
- Arm curls
- Arm rows
When in doubt, research at-home techniques and purchase weighted resistance bands. You can also throw some HIIT exercises in there. Quick routines include jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, jump squats, planks, and jumping rope.