Contents
and Health
The importance of resistance training in muscle mass development and health can not be understated. From a health perspective, resistance training – or weight lifting – helps to build and maintain muscle, which strengthens the body, increases metabolic rate, and aids in injury prevention. It also drastically improves physical fitness.
But what specifically is resistance training? Resistance training is the use of weights – such as barbells, dumbbells, machines, and bodyweight exercises – to create tension and strain on the muscle fibers so they can rebuild themselves more resilient and strong. Resistance training primarily targets skeletal muscle, and it is recommended that weightlifters use a variety of exercises to train their muscles effectively. The muscles then respond to the training by growing and evolving—which results in an improved physique and greater overall strength.
Benefits of Resistance Training
There are several reasons why resistance training is beneficial to an individual’s long-term health and muscle development.
- Increases Strength – Resistance training increases an individual’s muscular strength, which can help to prevent muscle-related injuries and improve the body’s overall physical performance.
- Improves Joint Health – Resistance training strengthens the joints, making them more resilient and less likely to ache or become injured.
- Boosts Metabolism – Building muscle increases the body’s metabolism, allowing individuals to burn more calories and lose weight more efficiently.
- Improves Heart Health – Resistance training can reduce cholesterol, improve blood circulation, and help regulate blood sugar levels, improving an individual’s general cardiovascular health.
Types of Resistance Training
There are many different types of resistance training exercises and each has its own distinct benefits and drawbacks.
- Weightlifting – Weightlifting (or free-weight exercises) is the most common form of resistance training. These include squats, deadlifts, presses, curls, and rows. Weightlifting is great for increasing general muscular strength and size.
- Bodyweight Exercises – Bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups and chin-ups, are great for increasing muscular endurance and stability.
- Machine Exercises – Machine exercises, such as chest flys and leg extensions, are ideal for isolating specific muscle groups and safely increasing overall strength.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) – HIIT is an optimal option for time-restricted individuals looking to increase their overall cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.
Conclusion
Resistance training is a beneficial form of exercise for muscle development and health. It increases strength, improves joint health, boosts metabolism, and improves heart health. Additionally, there are several different types of resistance training exercises which allow individuals to customize their program to best suit their specific needs and goals.
