Strength training is actually one of the oldest forms of exercises, dating back to Ancient Greece. It’s basically exercising with the goal of increasing your physical strength. Muscle-builders often look to strength training as a form of workout to develop more muscle mass, and so do gymnasts and rock climbers to develop an ability to hold the body weight with their limbs. (Source)
Even if you’re not looking to be a gymnasts or be a muscle-builder, there are various methods of strength training like body-weight exercises like push-ups and chin-ups. Although these are some of the common exercises we were taught during P.E. classes in school, it’s still one of the best forms of exercise to tone and build more strength in your body. It may seem really hard at first as your body lacks physical strength, but with some practice and determination, you’ll definitely see the difference.
If that’s not enough to get you started on strength training, here are some of the benefits that strength training exercises will grant you:
It Helps You Maintain Your Weight
If you’re looking to shed some weight or currently on the path to fitness, strength training is the best way to increase your metabolic rate, helping your body burn more calories. It also helps your body develop leaner muscle mass, which means you can workout even long with more energy. With these abilities on your side, you can certainly achieve your fitness goals in no time.
It Builds Character
Your character and attitude is one of the important factors to achieve fitness goals, and strength training teaches both persistence, self-control and even confidence. To get your body in the shape that you want, you’ll need to have a lot of determination, and strength training will give you that.
Better Resistance
No matter what your general fitness routine is (yoga, running, swimming, etc.), strength training helps improve your performance and energy. Furthermore, it keeps your muscles stronger and leaner, reducing your chances of sports injuries.
Increases Bone Density
Our bones become more brittle as we age, leading to diseases like osteoporosis. Strength training helps charge up the calcium in your bones, increasing your bone density and helping prevent osteoporosis.
Constant Calorie Burn
Most form of high-impact exercise is generally great for burning calories, but strength training will help you shed more everyday. That means, your body will also be burning calories, even while you sleep. (Source)