Do you want to have a
stronger and more beautiful body? Then the best thing to do is get on your feet
and start doing the resistance training.
What Is Resistance
Training?
Resistance training
involves activities that use weights, machines and even bodyweight to work out
the muscles properly. It is also known as strength training or weight training.
This can be very helpful in achieving a healthier body.
This kind of training is
usually associated with athletes who have to build up their bodies. Most people
would think that when resistance training is done, the body will grow bigger. It
will not. Resistance training is simply about increasing the strength of the
body, not its size.
This can be practiced by
anyone. It builds and tones the muscle to give the body a better look. This
training program is even very much advisable to the elders. The usual training
programs undergone by the elders are standing free-weights resistance or the
moderate-intensity seated machine training.
How Does Resistance
Training Work?
A resistance training
program will include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like
the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. When the equipment is used, the muscles
of the body will be pitted against the weight. The cells of the body will then
adapt to the extra weight. This will then result in hypertrophy or the
enlarging and increasing of the nerve cells to help in the muscle contraction.
Before doing any
resistance training, it will be best to consult first with the doctor. This
goes especially for people who have medical conditions or are overweight. This
kind of training is not something that you can explore on your own. You have to
know the proper equipment for the needs of your body. The body must also be
conditioned first before taking in the weights.
Resistance training can
also be done without resorting to the equipment. Doing push-ups is one good
example. You can do it just about anywhere where there is enough space for you
to move. This time it is your body weight that will be pitted against the
muscles. So those who are a bit constrained in the budget can still do
resistance trainings.
What Are the Benefits of
Resistance Training?
1. Increase Bone Mineral
Density
Bones are constantly
remodeling, meaning the tissues break down at the same time they build up. The
peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. However, as a person ages, there
may be problems with the bone mineral density as the remodeling may not be as
active anymore. This is especially a problem for post-menopausal women.
Bone mineral density is
usually supported by the hormones. To address the problem of not having the
hormones to maintain bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best
option. Resistance training is one physical activity that can address this.
2. Increase Strength
Strong bones and strong
muscles will be developed as you undergo the resistance training program.
3. Increase the Range of
Activities
When your body is strong
enough to carry some considerable weight, then definitely you will also be
capable of doing more strenuous activities. You are less likely to be lazy and
you can live a more active lifestyle.
4. Reduce the Body Fat
Pitting the weights on
your muscles will give it the body the exercise it needs and get rid of the
undesirable fats. Thus expect the tone of the body to improve. Even more,
expect the body to look better, to be leaner.
5. Improve the State of
the Elders
For the elderly,
undergoing a resistance training program will help improve their health and
decrease the risks brought about by the age. They can be more independent,
without needing to rely on other people for doing simple things. Being able to
do so will also decrease the risk of injuries in the elders
6. Improve Heart
Condition
Regularly doing
resistance training can result in a lowered heart rate and lowered blood
pressure, especially after exercise. The risk of heart diseases is reduced to a
considerable extent.
This kind of training
however must be properly done. It requires commitment and consistency. It will
have to be done regularly, following a schedule that the doctor or the physical
trainer would recommend. If done incorrectly, the benefits of the program may
not be enjoyed and it can even result in the injury.
The key here is to
simply take your time. Do things one step at a time correctly. As your body
condition improves, then move on to more challenging tasks. The strength of the
body and its overall look is at stake in the resistance training. So you better
be sure to do it properly.