If a strong and good-looking body is your top priority, then resistance training is exactly what you need.
What Is Resistance Training?
Resistance training is an exercise routine that involves the use of weights and machines in order to adequately work out the muscles. It is also known as strength training or weight training. This kind of training is popular among athletes who are required to build up their bodies for an upcoming match.
Most people would think that the body grows bigger when doing resistance training. Actually, it does not. It simply strengthens the body. It builds and tones the muscles to give the body a better look.
Anyone can do resistance training, even the elderly. The training programs undergone by seniors are usually the standing free-weights resistance, or the moderately-intense seated machine training.
How Does Resistance Training Work?
A resistance training program includes the use of various exercise equipment and machines, like the bench press, dumbbell, or barbell. During training, the muscles will be pitted against the weight. This allows the body to adapt to the extra weight. Eventually, it will result in hypertrophy, or the enlargement and accumulation of the nerve cells to aid in muscle contraction.
Those who have medical conditions, such as obesity, asthma, or hypertension should first consult with a doctor. Even though this training is for everyone, it’s not something that can be done without guidance. Proper equipment should be used, and the body must also be conditioned before taking in weights.
Resistance training can also be done without using exercise machines. Doing push-ups is a good example. In this case, it is the weight of body that is pitted against the muscles. What’s good about push-ups is that it can be done anytime and anywhere, as long as there is enough space to move.
Benefits of Resistance Training
1. Increase Bone Mineral Density
Our bones are constantly remodeling. This means that the tissues are breaking down while also building up at the same time. The peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. As we age, this bone activity also declines.
Bone mineral density is naturally supported by our hormones. If the hormones cannot maintain the bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best option. Resistance training best fits this kind of activity.
2. Encourages a More Active Lifestyle
If the body is strong enough to carry a considerable amount of weight, then it should also be capable of doing more challenging activities. Consequently, those who do resistance training are less likely to be lazy and are more inclined to live a more active lifestyle. This includes the elderly too.
3. Reduces Body Fat
Putting weight on the muscles will undeniably give the body the workout it needs to get rid of undesirable fats. As you keep doing it, you’ll eventually see the tone of your body improve. Expect your body to look better and leaner in the coming weeks.
4. Improves Heart Health
Regular resistance training can do wonders to the heart. It can lower blood pressure and tremendously reduce the risk of heart disease.
Resistance Training Requires Dedication
This kind of training requires commitment and consistency. It will have to be done on a regular basis, following a schedule that the doctor or physical trainer recommended. If done incorrectly, the benefits of the program may not materialize. Worse, it can even result to injury.
The key here is to take your time and to do it properly. Do things one step at a time. Move on to more challenging tasks once you feel that the current one is already a walk in the park.
