Strength Training & its benefits

💪Strength training is an important part of any exercise routine. While cardiovascular exercise is great for your body’s overall fitness, strength training has many additional benefits that you won’t necessarily get from cardiovascular training (see below).

Strength training can be performed using a whole range of equipment including barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, push and pull machines, racks, boxes, medicine balls, ropes, and even your bodyweight. Basically, there’s a whole bunch of equipment to use that’s usually available at local gyms or which can be bought for relatively cheap prices to use at home. The main goal of strength training is to be able to lift heavier weights with the same, on point technique each time. Functional training is also recommended to train good movements patterns which can be translated to every day life. Exercises like squats and deadlifts are examples of these.

If you don’t know where to start, many local gyms have an induction or beginners workshops which can help you with the basics to gain the confidence to continue solo. There’s also many many training videos out there to help you out. Personal trainers can also be a great resource to make use of but its important to find an experienced one with relevant and extensive training.

Evidence shows that some of the many benefits of strength training include:

🏋‍♂️Improved ability to perform everyday activities (functional movement)

🦴Improved bone density (reduces the risk of osteoarthritis)

🦵Improves the stability of joints (falls & injury prevention)

⬆️Higher metabolic rate (helps with weight management and calorie burning)

🍬Improved blood sugar management

😊Improved self esteem and mood

🫀Larger muscles assist the cardiovascular system with moving blood around the body

🧘‍♀️Promotes greater mobility and flexibility

🧠Improves brain health

And all of these improvements will contribute to your overall quality of life 🙌🙌