Often times losing weight and thinness takes precedent over other aspects of health that are more important long-term. Strength training is a critical component of your fitness routine, not only to help you develop the body composition you want, but to improve your overall health.
Fight Aging
When you think of fighting aging, you may only think about products to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Regardless of your current physical fitness level, aging is inevitable and can take a toll on your health and functional fitness. As you grow older, bone density decreases and normal activities may not be as easy. Doing regular strength training, especially when combined with a nutrient-rich diet can be critical for maintaining bone mass throughout the years, especially for women. Problems like osteoporosis may only be identified after a bone fracture, and it is harder to treat at that stage. Additionally, strength training is an excellent tool for maintaining balance to minimize the chance of decreased functional fitness and increased fall risks later in life.
Body Recomposition
Many people, especially those who struggle with their weight, want to achieve a specific physique. This might include building a curvier or more athletic build or shedding weight and keeping the pounds off indefinitely. Both goals are difficult or impossible to achieve with cardio and calorie restriction alone. Strength training is ideal if you want to stop yo-yo dieting and keep the pounds off longer. Since cardio burns a limited number of calories only during your workout session, you likely find you need to constantly exercise to keep the scale moving in the right direction. Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, which means building muscle helps raise your basal metabolic rate. This also means you will not need as much calorie restriction to lose or maintain your weight, thereby making it easier to stick to an eating plan.
Mental Aspects
Strength training is more than a physical exercise because it can work wonders for your mental health. Many people find building muscle and becoming stronger is a positive outlet to reduce daily stress, making them look forward to their next gym workout. Becoming stronger is also a good confidence booster, especially if you need to overcome feeling weak or vulnerable, or struggle with body image issues. With eating disorders being especially prevalent among women, embracing strength training can be a turning point for women who have been obsessed with judging their body by the number on the scale.
Building strength is just one part of a well-rounded fitness routine. No matter your age or fitness goals, strength training is critical for long-term health.