5 Reasons You Need to Start Resistance Training

Resistance training, also known as strength training or weightlifting, is a key component of a well-rounded fitness routine. While many people associate exercise with cardio, adding resistance training to your routine offers long-term benefits that go beyond just building muscle.

Here are Five Compelling Reasons Why you Should Start Today:

1. Boosts Your Metabolism

The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn—even at rest. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it requires more energy than fat to sustain itself. By increasing your muscle mass through resistance training, you can support a higher resting metabolic rate (RMR), allowing you to burn more calories throughout the day.

2. Burns More Calories for Longer

Strength training has a longer-lasting effect on calorie burn than cardio. While cardio burns calories primarily during the workout, resistance training continues to burn calories even after you’ve finished exercising. This is due to the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect, which helps keep your metabolism elevated for hours.

3. Prevents Muscle and Bone Loss

The phrase "use it or lose it" applies to muscle and bone health. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density, which can lead to weakness and an increased risk of injury. Resistance training helps maintain and even build muscle, while also strengthening bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Strong muscles and bones are essential for everyday activities like lifting groceries, playing with your kids, or even changing a tire.

4. Improves Posture, Balance, and Mood

Poor posture, balance issues, and coordination problems can lead to discomfort and injury. Resistance training strengthens the core, improves body mechanics, and enhances overall stability. Additionally, lifting weights releases endorphins—the “feel-good” hormones—helping to boost energy levels and improve your overall mood.

5. Helps Prevent and Manage Chronic Diseases

Strength training is more than just aesthetics—it has profound effects on overall health. Regular resistance training improves glucose control, making it beneficial for those with insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and PCOS. It also helps manage systolic blood pressure and reduces symptoms of depression.

The Takeaway

Incorporating resistance training into your routine doesn’t mean you need to lift heavy weights at the gym. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and moderate-weight strength training can all be effective. Whether your goal is to lose weight, feel stronger, or improve overall health, resistance training is an essential part of a balanced fitness regimen.

Start today and experience the long-term benefits for yourself!