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Strength training exercise is no longer just the domain of bodybuilders and athletes. More and more research is showing that the benefits of this special type of exercise are enormous for adults of all ages. Older people and people in poor health can also benefit greatly improving their quality of life. Just 2-3 sessions per week with a proper program preferably set up and monitored by a fitness professional increases the density of bones and increases healthy muscle tissue.
The loss of this muscle through our sedentary lives is one of the reasons we age at a premature and accelerated rate. When we strengthen our muscles we strengthen our bones as well which is important to counteract osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and the associated fractures that go with a weakening of the bones.
Other benefits of strength training exercise are: * Body weight maintenance - Not only does the activity of strength training burn calories and fat but the resulting increase in toned muscle tissue can increase the body's metabolic rate (the rate the body burns fuel) by as much as 15%. Muscle is highly active tissue that requires lots of calories to function, whereas fatty tissue does not. * A great anti-depressant – Exercise plays a vital role in uplifting depression, increasing energy and renewing vitality. Many doctors are prescribing exercise instead of, or in addition to medication. A proper exercise program could well be the cheapest and most available anti depressant and according to research, is as effective as any drug for healing depression. *Arthritis relief – Many people associate joint disease with having to cease physical activity but people who are sedentary are more prone to developing arthritis. When muscle tone is lost, weak muscles increase the risk of injuries due to their inability to properly protect and cushion joints. Strong muscles around weight bearing joints help support and distribute the force and load of body weight and movement. * Blood glucose control -When our blood sugar levels become unbalanced our body has difficulty converting food to energy, so you not only feel tired and lack energy but your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. If this situation continues over long periods of time, it could be setting the stage for the killer disease diabetes. It is very important to understand that only strength training exercise can increase the amount of toned muscle tissue you have which is a key advantage for helping prevent or manage diabetes. When you engage your muscles vigorously up to 90% of excess sugar in the blood will be cleared away so you are not exposed to the damage it will do. These are just some of the many benefits of strength training exercise. It is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and health concerns. Being physically stronger enables you to perform everyday activities easier and with less effort. Then you will have some energy left over to pursue your favorite leisure activities giving maximum enjoyment out of life.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here: Health Related Fitness For Free Fitness Report here Fitness Weight Loss Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.
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