In this article about what strength training is and why it is important: Although more and more people understand the importance of strength training, there are still plenty of myths surrounding this topic. For example, strength training is said to be something for men, women would become too bulky from it, and cardio is better for burning a lot of calories. Nothing could be further from the truth; strength training has health benefits for everyone. To clarify this, we have compiled a number of facts about strength training. Let's start with the question: What is strength training?
What is strength training and why is it important explained
What is strength training?
Strength training is a form of exercise that focuses on training your muscles. There are different ways of strength training for various goals. You can train to increase your physical strength, to increase your muscle mass, or to improve the endurance of your muscles. An example of a training technique we use in strength training is Time Under Tension. In this method, you use the stimulus of resistance to get the most out of your training.
You always perform strength training with resistance. This can be in the form of your own body weight, free weights, or machines. Strength training typically targets the larger muscle groups such as the legs, back, chest, and arms. During a workout, the goal is to provide your body with training stimuli that encourage it to adapt to this new challenge. And that is how you become stronger and gain more muscle mass and endurance.
More fat burning at rest.
By doing cardio training, you only burn calories during the workout, while the calorie burn after strength training continues for about 24 hours. Additionally, strength training helps you develop more muscle mass. Muscles require more energy than fat, which increases your metabolism as you develop more muscle mass. Therefore, when you combine heavy strength training with a diet, you will lose weight more effectively than if you only do cardio. You burn more fat and create more muscle mass.
Strength is your engine in daily life.
By doing strength training, you build more muscle mass and thus become stronger. This has advantages in daily life, as strength is the engine of almost every movement you make. Cycling, walking, vacuuming, opening a jar, lifting groceries—almost all seemingly simple actions in daily life require strength. Because your muscles can deliver more power without pain or overexertion, you will become less fatigued. Strength training is therefore also important to prevent faster decline in later life. If you maintain the engine of your body well, you will function better for longer in daily life.
Your body looks better.
When you only do cardio training, you burn calories and mainly work on your fitness. When you do strength training, you burn fat while simultaneously building muscle mass. This gives your body more definition, meaning your muscles show more and you feel tighter in your skin. Additionally, your posture improves because your core becomes stronger, allowing you to keep your back straighter. If you want to look better without clothes or in a bikini on the beach, strength training is the solution.
Your overall health improves.
Strength training has proven positive effects on your health. For example, it improves your insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, your bone density increases when you engage in strength training. This is particularly important for women, as this density decreases by 3% each year. By doing strength training, the risk of fractures later in life decreases. Finally, strength training also helps keep your cholesterol levels and blood pressure in check.
Strength training is good for your mental health
It is clear that strength training has many physical benefits. But the effects of this type of training go further. Strength training also has a significant impact on your mental health. It helps you maintain hormonal balance. During training, many 'feel-good' substances are released, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endocrine. To tell you more about this, we have written a blog about the psychological effects of strength training.
Strength training with guidance
As a beginner in strength training, you could certainly go down the rabbit hole and spend hours researching. But most people simply don't have the time for such an investment. Often, the easiest choice is not to start at all. This is where personal training comes in. A trainer not only knows everything about strength training, but they also know how to perfectly align it with your goals and level. This way, you can start right away and be sure that you are doing the right exercises. Are you looking for a personal trainer in Haarlem? Then come by Daadkracht, and we will show you what we can do for you.
Conclusion
If you are only going from the cross trainer to the rowing machine at the gym, you should really think twice. The points above make it clear that strength training has health benefits for everyone and that this type of training helps you function better and longer in daily life, improves your appearance, and enhances your overall health. Enough reasons to start lifting weights!
Do you want more information about training? Or do you have questions regarding this article?
Don't hesitate to contact us at info@daadkrachtoverveen.nl
