Sick of walking on the treadmill or riding the stationary bike? Do you feel like your workout routine is stuck in a boring perpetual loop? Why not change focus and swap cardio for the world of weight training. While cardio is great for improving cardiovascular health, weight training improves the function of the cardiovascular system, along with many other bodily systems. Weight training is not limited to the young and healthy, but rather benefits the older community as well. Keep reading to find out why.
Weight training has been proven to improve both physical and mental health for all different types of people. It reduces body fat, increases lean muscle mass, and even reduces stress when performed a few times per week. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight training can also:
- Enhance your quality of life
- Develop strong bones
- Sharpen thinking skills
- Manage chronic conditions
When it comes to aging, weight training is beneficial because it increases bone density. As we age, our bones get more fragile. Weight training puts pressure on our bones, making them stronger and more durable as we grow old. The growth of muscle also reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens the bones.
One may read this and ask, where do I start? There are countless blogs, magazine articles, websites, and books explaining the steps you can take to begin your weight training journey. You’ll look back in a couple of months and see the progress you’ve made which can be very rewarding.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/strength-training/art-20046670
