Reasons To Start Strength Training (even if you don’t want to change your appearance)
Chronic and age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 11 diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s and more are continuously on the rise in the United States (and around the world). However, the risk for many of these diseases have been shown to be greatly reduced through regular exercise (and a health promoting diet) .
Whether you have body composition goals or not, strength training provides so many benefits beyond changing the way you look! Strength training plays a huge role in improving overall health and longevity, which most everyone can benefit from.
Here are just a few of the (non-weight/appearance related) benefits of regular strength training:
Increases Bone Density
Increases Self-Efficacy + Boosts Mood
Improves Balance + Reduces Risk Of Falls - especially in those over the age of 60
Decreases Blood Pressure + LDL Cholesterol
Improves Cognition
Improves Strength + Range of Motion - reducing the risk of injury
+ Many, many more!
Oftentimes, the goal to lose weight or alter appearance is what initially gets people interested in exercise, but for those that adopt it as a lifelong habit, how exercise makes them FEEL and the positive effect it has on their health and well being is what keeps them consistent.
If you have body composition goals, that’s perfectly fine! However, I bet if you find other metrics for success and progress beyond just weight or body fat percentage, you’ll find the process more enjoyable and more sustainable.
