I often find myself in interesting conversations with people who don’t understand my commitment to the gym, simply because I’m not overweight. They tend to assume that the gym is only for those looking to shed pounds. Each time I face this misconception, I try to explain that I’m focused on building strength, and that the gym isn’t just for weight loss—it’s also about gaining muscle.
Have you ever wondered why getting down to pick up a pen causes you to wince? Why does taking the stairs make you pant so much? Here is why, when was the last time you had time to stretch your body, take a run or do some aerobics? “Fitness is a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations, and daily activities” Wikipedia. For some, your daily activities might include, sitting on your computer for long hours, it might be a lot of standing, it might be a lot of talking and bending and picking up things and so on. Now, you wonder why you are easily tired lately, you think it’s because you’re ageing and you think it’s normal. Well, your boy is giving you a sign and that sign is for servicing. For me, the ability to execute your routine with high performance, and high energy while maintaining steeze and vigour is fitness at its peak.
Strength training is also known as weight training, resistance training, and muscular training.
The general definition of strength training is any physical movement in which you use your body weight or equipment (e.g., dumbbells and resistance bands) to build muscle, strength, and endurance. Many aged people experience a fall that they never get back to normal, training for balance and “building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age” Mayoclinic.
WHO’s statistics on inactivity suggest that the world has set a goal to get more people moving and reduce inactivity. The plan is to lower the number of inactive adults and teenagers by 10% by 2025 and 15% by 2030, compared to how things were in 2010. If this doesn’t happen, it could cost the world’s healthcare systems a lot of money—about $300 billion in total between 2020 and 2030. That’s around $27 billion every year, just because people aren’t active enough. This means it’s really important to encourage people to exercise more, as it not only keeps them healthier but also saves a huge amount of money on medical care. Making small lifestyle changes now can prevent big health problems and financial costs in the future. Encouraging fitness not only improves individual health but also helps save billions in healthcare costs worldwide.
The benefits of muscle/strength training include: Reduces Abdominal Fat: “Fat stored around the abdomen, especially visceral fat, is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases” Healthline. It is not a debate for you at this point, choose a pot belly and all the unhealthy risks or go for 6 packs and its healthy aesthetics.
Enhances bone health: Strength training makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your bones healthier. Performed over an extended time, strength training has been found to increase bone density. Proper strength training will help to lower your risk of bone loss according to Comprehensive Urologic Care. Lifting weights will preserve bone mass and could prevent osteoporosis, it helps you in case of an injury to heal properly and regain strength in no time.
Treats and prevents lower back pain: Are you at that age where you think you are ageing because picking up the kid’s toys gives you shivers? Proper strength training can help reduce the incidence and severity of lower back pain by strengthening both your abdominal and lower back muscles. By enhancing your postural stability, keeping these muscles strong can help prevent undue load forces from being placed on your spine.
Building muscle is more than just a physical endeavour—it’s an investment in overall health and well-being. Stronger muscles also boost confidence, reduce stress, and foster a sense of accomplishment that positively impacts mental health. This training creates a ripple effect, improving focus, resilience, and energy levels in other areas of life, from work to personal relationships. Grow muscles and invest for the future.
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