So what is strength training? Strength training is a type of physical activity which focuses on the use of resistance and weights to induce muscle contraction which builds strength. It’s a part of life that lean muscle mass naturally diminishes in your body with age. As a result you will increase the percentage of fat in your body if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time. Strength training can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass at any age.

While most of the overall life improving benefits of exercise can be gained through strength training, there are some specific benefits that make adding resistance to your exercising worthwhile. 

Heart disease

According to recent research reported out of Iowa State University, as little as an hour a week of lifting weights results in a 40-70% reduction in heart attack or stroke risk independent of other exercise. Perhaps the most interesting part of the study was the volume of weight training required for this result with just an hour a week, with the percentage reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease, not increasing with resistance training above this. So small quantities in a week can pay real dividends! 

Diabetes

With type 2 diabetes on the rise, and a healthy lifestyle being such an important prevention and management tool, it’s no surprise that researchers would be looking at how to best harness physical activity. A recent study from the Mayo Journal reports that moderate muscle mass reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 32%. These results were separate from cardiovascular exercise (like using a treadmill or walking), meaning strength training alone gave protection, although a combined programme is recommended for all round health. 

Osteoporosis

One of the factors that affects those with osteoporosis is the increased chances of broken bones, especially as balance is compromised with age and inactivity, leading to increased falls. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will fall in any one year. Osteoporosis will increase the chances of these falls leading to fractures. Once again, exercise comes to the rescue. While weight bearing exercise is the gold standard in osteoporosis prevention, it is balance exercises that assist most in falls prevention. 

How to fit strength training into your lifestyle

Many people find using a dedicated exercise facility or gym is the way to go to do their strength training. This is because they have a range of equipment you wouldn’t have available otherwise, and help is on hand when you need it. However, if you are looking at exercising out at home or somewhere other than a facility, then you can get your strength training workout with the help of some easily found tools. The easiest is of course your own bodyweight, whether it’s squats, lunges, push-ups, or one of the endless variety of exercises, there’s no reason you can’t get fit using you. 

And finally it’s important to get the right advice to avoid the risk of injury, and to get the best results and motivation for the life long benefits of strength training. 

References:
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/acsm/active041619.htm
https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2019/03/11/musclediabetes

Source: Exercise Association of New Zealand

Looking for more information on keeping your body happy and healthy? We've got lots of great blogs and articles you can check out. Also, get ready for the upcoming LiveFit Festival! With tons of activities, and speakers covering a wide range of health and fitness topics, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy no matter what your fitness level.