When many of us think of exercise, we most often focus on cardio/aerobic exercises. After all, that is what burns the calories — and it’s the high energy activity we associate with physical fitness. However, it is important to note that cardio isn’t the only exercise that is important. You also need to participate in strength training as part of your health lifestyle. If you want to be well-rounded physically, strength training has to be part of the equation.
Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training isn’t about building huge muscles; you don’t need to become a body builder. In most cases, it’s about developing lean muscle that can help you with other areas of your life. The development of muscle can help your body burn calories with greater efficiency, helping you control your weight. Make strength training a part of your regular exercise routine, and you should be able to better keep your weight under control.
In addition to building lean muscle that can help give you a more toned appearance, and better calorie burning abilities, strength training helps your bones. You can increase your bone density with strength training, reducing the chance that you will develop osteoporosis later. Strength training can also help you avoid injury, and increase your stamina, to prevent fatigue. And, any regular exercise program can help you boost your energy, and improve your ability to focus.
Strength Training Tools
One of the best things about strength training is that you don’t need fancy equipment. While you can go to a gym and take advantage of the machine weights and free weights that can help you in your strength training goals, there is no reason to spend the money on the membership. You can create your own home gym that provides you with what you need to begin strength training.
The most frugal way to begin your strength training regimen is to use your own body weight. Just supporting your weight as you do specific exercises will help you develop lean muscle and improve your strength. Some of the most popular and effective exercises you can do include:
- Push ups
- Pull ups (you might have to purchase a bar)
- Leg squats
- Leg lunges
You can also buy some relatively low priced equipment to help you with strength training exercises, including hand weights, resistance bands and stability balls. All of these items can provide you with resistance that will help you build muscle and improve your strength. You can find these items at most sporting goods stores, and you can find usually find free videos online showing you how to perform certain exercises with your equipment — or with your body weight.
While cardio is important, make sure you devote some time each week to strength training. You’ll see better results over time, and you will build a healthier body, more able to withstand the ravages of age. You’ll feel better, and get more done when you including strength training as part of your exercise program.