Many people limit their efforts to stay in shape to endurance training. But this can result in an unbalanced exercise regime that’s not entirely good for your body. If you’re seeking all-round fitness, you should also be including exercises for strength. Here we explain the main reasons why it’s sometimes good to leave the treadmill and pump some iron instead.
Increased calorie consumption thanks to the afterburn effect
Strength training doesn’t just burn calories while you’re working out. Thanks to what is known as the afterburn effect, your metabolism remains elevated even after you finish your session. The body continues to consume energy, which can aid weight loss.
Targeted muscle training strengthens not only individual muscles, but the entire musculoskeletal system. This helps to prevents back pain and damage resulting from poor posture, protects the joints and increases bone density. Strength training enables older people in particular to maintain muscle mass and remain independent.
Tips for getting started with strength training
Making yourself go to the gym often takes a bit of effort to begin with. But not every new start has to be difficult. Follow these tips and you will find yourself in a training routine in no time:
Start with simple exercises and gradually increase the intensity.
Make sure you execute all the exercises correctly to avoid injury.
Schedule at least two training sessions per week.
Combine strength and endurance work for the best results.
Listen to your body and give yourself plenty of recovery time.
