If you want a stronger more powerful body then resistance training is for you. Not only will resistance training improve your outward appearance but it will also improve your interior bodily systems as well, mainly with an increase in metabolism.
Resistance training is the use of weights, weight machines, and body weight work to increase lean muscle mass. It is a crucial part of any exercise and diet routine when it comes to increasing metabolism. When most people think of resistance training, also known as weight or strength training, they picture large muscular bound people or athletes. The fact is that while resistance training can be used to build larger muscles it can also be used to tone the body and increase strength without adding size.
Resistance training works by forcing the muscles of the body to push against the resistance of some form of weight such as a barbell or dumbbell. This actually causes the muscles to break down during the workout. After the weight training workout the muscles repair and rebuild themselves, using large amounts of caloric energy to accomplish this. In this way resistance training increases metabolism not only during the workout but also after the workout is completed. In fact, the more rest you get the more calories your body will burn repairing and growing the damaged muscle fibers.
While most resistance training is done with weights at a gym or in a home gym you can also get in a good workout by using your own body weight as the resistance. By doing push-ups or chin-up you are using your body weight to work the muscle fibers. You can do these types of exercises anywhere and they are a great way to get in a good workout.
Besides an increase in metabolism resistance training also offer other benefits as well.
1. Increase in Bone Mineral Density ? Lifting weights help strengthen the skeletal system which is of particular importance to us as we age. By doing resistance training we can help maintain both bone health and strength as we get older and lessen the onset of bone maladies such as osteoporosis.
2. Increase in Overall Strength ? You will increase the strength and power of both your skeletal and muscular system.
3. Increase in Fitness Level ? As you get stronger and improve your overall physical condition you will find you are able to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.
4. Body Fat Reduction ? By lifting weights you are not only burning calories you will also increase you basal metabolism which will lead to a reduction in excess body fat. You gain in two ways here. One, your body becomes firmer and two you lose the fat and become leaner.
5. Improve Cardiovascular Health ? Weight training can help strengthen the entire cardiovascular system which results in a lower blood pressure and heart rate. It will also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
As you can see resistance training not only helps to increase metabolism but it is also beneficial to your overall health and well being in many other ways. Remember, as with any exercise program start slow and build your strength and condition levels up. You will see improvement if you keep at it and have a commitment to living a more healthy life.
