Strong reasons to
start strength training
Newswise — Strength training --
whether you use weight training machines, elastic resistance
bands, dumbbells, barbells or simply the weight of your body
-- offers many health benefits.
The January issue of Mayo
Clinic Health Letter lists reasons why it’s good to add
strength training to your exercise regimen. Benefits
include:
* Increasing bone density:
This reduces the risk and impact of osteoporosis.
* Reducing the risk of
falling: Strength training contributes to better balance,
coordination and agility.
* Maintaining a healthy
weight: Pound for pound, muscle burns three times more
calories than fat. Increased muscle mass enables your body
to burn calories more quickly and efficiently.
* Alleviating chronic back
pain: People often experience less pain after strengthening
their back and abdominal muscles.
* Making everyday tasks
easier: Housework, mowing the lawn or carrying groceries
takes less effort. Strong muscles mean you’re less likely to
injure muscles, tendons or ligaments.
Talk to your doctor about
appropriate strengthening exercises, especially if you have
osteoporosis.