If you want to live a long and healthy life, chances are you've Googled, read, researched, or hired someone to help you with various factors such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Did your favorite podcast come to mind after reading this?
While cardiovascular exercise (looking at you HIIT people out there) and healthy eating habits are commonly associated with longevity, the importance of strength training is often overlooked. In this article, we delve into the significant benefits of strength training and how it serves as a powerful tool for enhancing your longevity.
Strength Training Benefits
Preserves Muscle Mass and Bone Density
As we age, our bodies undergo several changes that can impact our overall health and mobility. One of the most notable changes is the gradual loss of muscle mass and bone density. This decline can lead to frailty, an increased risk of falls, and a loss of independence in daily activities. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, the risk of falling and fall-related injuries increases as we age.
Strength training, particularly resistance exercises like weightlifting, helps combat age-related muscle loss by stimulating muscle fibers and promoting their growth and maintenance. By engaging in regular strength training, individuals can preserve and even increase muscle mass, improving overall strength and mobility.
Furthermore, strength training exercises exert mechanical stress on bones, stimulating bone mineral density improvements, thanks Harvard University. This is especially crucial for older adults, as it reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, ultimately contributing to a longer, healthier life.
Enhances Metabolic Health
Moreover, strength training boosts basal metabolic rate (BMR), leading to increased calorie expenditure even at rest. This is crucial for weight management and preventing obesity, which is associated with various chronic conditions, including heart disease, certain cancers, and premature death.
Supports Joint Health and Flexibility
Contrary to common misconceptions, strength training not only improves muscle strength but also supports joint health and flexibility. Strengthening the muscles around joints provides better stability and support, reducing the risk of injuries and chronic pain.
By engaging in strength training exercises that target specific muscle groups, individuals can enhance their joint function and range of motion. This, in turn, facilitates daily activities, promotes good posture, and reduces the risk of conditions such as arthritis. It's also a fantastic way to improve how you perform in other workouts, like yoga as yoga and strength training can complement one another very well.
Boosts Mental Well-Being and Cognitive Function
Physical exercise, including strength training, has long been recognized for its positive impact on mental health. Regular strength training sessions can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while boosting self-esteem and overall well-being.
Additionally, strength training stimulates the release of endorphins, the brain's "feel-good" chemicals, which promote a positive mood and reduce stress levels.
Moreover, studies have shown that strength training improves cognitive function, memory, and executive functioning in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
The benefits of strength training extend beyond the physical realm. Regular engagement in strength training has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Strength training helps to manage and control several risk factors associated with these diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess body weight. By incorporating strength training into a comprehensive wellness routine, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing these debilitating conditions and increase their chances of living a longer disease-free life.
Try Strength Training Today
Strength training is a powerful tool in our pursuit of longevity. From preserving muscle mass and bone density to enhancing metabolic health, joint function, and mental well-being, its benefits are numerous and diverse. By incorporating strength training exercises into our lifestyle, we can not only add years to our lives but also enhance the quality of those years, allowing us to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally as we age.