Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training has many physical and mental positives. By building up strength in your muscles, ligaments, bones and mental mindset. Improving metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Strength training will lengthen and improve your overall quality of life. 

Strength training at Forest Fit Clubs

Strength training is a new addition to the weekly FFC fitness classes. Our members have the ambition to gain, improve or maintain health, fitness and strength for everyday life.

As we edge towards the dreaded term ‘middle aged’, strength training becomes crucial! It mitigates the natural declines of aging and preserving health, independence, and vitality. The specific benefits combat age-related muscle and bone loss, support hormonal changes, and help prevent chronic diseases. After age 30, muscle mass naturally decreases, a process that accelerates after 40. Strength training is the most effective way to counteract this loss by building or preserving muscle mass and functional strength. This is essential for preventing frailty and maintaining physical capabilities. See below for more benefits;

Improves bone density: Both men and women experience bone density loss with age, a risk that increases for women after menopause due to lower estrogen levels. Weight-bearing exercises put stress on the bones, stimulating new tissue growth and helping to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

Boosts metabolism and weight management: Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. A decline in muscle mass with age slows down your metabolism, making weight gain more likely. By building and preserving muscle, strength training helps maintain a higher metabolic rate, making it easier to manage weight and prevent related conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Enhances heart health: Regular resistance training has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Reduces joint pain: Strength training strengthens the muscles and connective tissues surrounding joints, improving stability and reducing pressure. This can reduce aches and discomfort from conditions like arthritis and improve overall mobility. 

Functional benefits

Preserves independence and mobility: Building and maintaining strength is critical for performing everyday tasks like carrying shopping, climbing stairs, and getting up from a chair. This ability to handle daily life with ease helps maintain independence later in life.

Improves balance and coordination: Strength training enhances the stability of your muscles and joints, which improves balance. This is vital for reducing the risk of falls and related injuries, a major concern for older adults.

Reduces risk of injury: Stronger muscles provide better support and protection for your joints. Regular, consistent strength training reduces the risk of both acute sports injuries and overuse injuries. 

Mental health benefits

Boosts mood and self-esteem: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-lifting effects. As you grow stronger and see progress, your self-confidence and body image can improve significantly.

Combats depression and anxiety: Studies show that regular resistance exercise can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Enhances cognitive function: Strength training can improve thinking and memory skills in adults. Research suggests it has neuroprotective effects and can help protect against age related cognitive decline. 

~ Forest Fit Clubs