When you think of strength training, what comes to mind? For most people, strength training means adding muscles. And lots of them! However, strength training is so much more than this. It isn’t just for bodybuilders or advanced fitness enthusiasts, but for every fitness level looking to improve their overall health and wellness. In fact, strength training provides many key health benefits, including significant improvements to both physical and mental health. Plus, it can be easily adapted and fit into any fitness routine.
See also: Functional movement: Trend or legit?
What is strength training?
Strength training consists of exercises that use body weight or equipment to build muscle mass, endurance, and strength. Strength or resistance training commonly incorporates weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, isometrics, plyometrics, and more.
Because strength training helps to improve muscle and joint strength and cardiac function, it is often used by professional athletes or those looking to gain more muscle – but it can be used by anyone, not just athletes, looking to amp up their workout and become better, stronger versions of themselves.
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What are the health benefits of strength training?
There are so many health benefits to strength training, but let’s focus on some of the key differentiators:
- Balance and mobility. Strength training can significantly improve balance and mobility by strengthening stabilizer muscles that support lower body joints like the ankles, knees, and hips. This allows you to move through life with more comfort and confidence, so you will be movin’ and groovin’ in no time!
- Improves bone density and heart health. As we age, it becomes more and more important to take proactive steps to keep our bodies healthy. Strength training has been proven to help with bone density and strengthen the heart—both of which are important to long-lasting health.
- A great way to work out with a partner. Working out with a friend always makes it a better experience, and strength training is no different! You can multiply the benefits with partner exercises that incorporate free weights, functional accessories, and body weight movements. Bringing a buddy definitely makes it easier to push yourself a little harder and vice versa.
- Translates perfectly to everyday life. The primary objective of any type of exercise should be to improve your overall quality of life, including the various physical activities you enjoy. Strength training is a shining example of that because the benefits help you be the best version of yourself outside of the gym when it comes to spending time with friends and family and doing the activities you love.
How can I get started with strength training?
Getting started with strength training can be quite simple, but it’s important to know how and where to start. Start by talking to a certified fitness trainer (free with any Planet Fitness membership) who can help find the right exercises for you—which can also be found in the free Planet Fitness App—to ensure you maximize the benefits and avoid injury.
A few basic principles to keep top of mind as you plan out your strength training regimen are:
- Start simple
- Warm up first
- Give yourself at least 1 day of rest
- Challenge yourself but stay realistic
- Change it up regularly
Strength training is one form of exercise that is adaptable to wherever you are on your fitness journey. Start strength training slowly and gradually, building in intensity and weight over time, and don’t forget to focus on proper form and technique to ensure you’re staying safe and having fun. Pick a few upper muscle groups and a few lower body exercises to start with, and you are ready to rock and roll!
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Feature image by Ryan Hoffman
