Strength training is vital for every single person. Regardless of your age, gender, weight, height, fitness level or even your goals - you should be doing some form of resistance training.
The overall shift towards women and resistance training is a hugely positive one, with benefits such as improved posture, increased strength, fat loss and increased muscle tone.
How much and what type of resistance training you should do will depend on where you are at currently and your particular goals.
Although most of what we read about resistance training refers predominantly to the aesthetic benefits, perhaps more importantly we should consider the postural and structural benefits it brings.
You will probably also find that, done correctly with short rest periods, strength based training will significantly elevate your heart rate and provide you with a decent cardiovascular workout at the same time.
So, why is strength training a better option than cardio?
1. You Will Burn More Calories
Strength training, unlike running and other slow cardio, builds muscle and muscle burns more calories per day.
For each pound of muscle you gain your body will burn an additional 35-50 calories each day. You do the math.
2. Your Clothes Will Fit Better
A better way of measuring your results than simply staring at the scales, is to see how your clothes fit. 1lb of muscle is more dense than 1lb of fat, takes less space and gives you a perkier shape.
3. You Will Have Better Posture
Develop good structural balance and your muscles will be better coordinated and contribute towards correct posture by assisting in the prevention of muscle atrophy and injury as we age.
4. You Will Reduce Your Risk Of Injury, Back Pain And Arthritis
By improving the strength of not only your muscles but also your connective tissues you will improve joint stability, flexibility and help prevent injury.
5. You Will Decrease Your Risk Of Osteoporosis
Strength training can increase spinal bone mineral density and enhance bone modeling. Combined with a balanced nutritional program it can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis as we get older.
6. You Will Feel More Happy & Confident
As a result you will be healthier with a stronger immune system, look better and perhaps most importantly feel better too. This will make everyday daily tasks a little easier and life a whole lot more enjoyable.