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5 Overlooked Benefits of Resistance Training
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Are you stuck in a fitness rut? Resistance training may be the solution you’re looking for! It’s not just about building muscle and toning up, there are actually more benefits to resistance training than you may think. From improved sleep to better cardiovascular health, resistance training offers an array of advantages that will make you rethink your workout plan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 5 overlooked benefits of resistance training that you may not have heard of before.

1) Improved cardiovascular health

Regular resistance training can improve your cardiovascular health in many ways. It can help you develop a stronger heart, improve your overall circulation and boost your endurance. Resistance training is one of the best forms of exercise for increasing cardiovascular health because it forces your heart to work harder, leading to increased blood flow and improved oxygen delivery throughout your body.

This increased oxygen supply enables your muscles to contract and relax more efficiently, making them stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. Additionally, resistance training improves your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn calories more quickly. This can lead to a decrease in body fat percentage and an increase in your overall cardiovascular health. As an added bonus, resistance training can also help reduce stress levels, which can help keep your heart healthy as well.

2) Lower blood pressure

When it comes to cardiovascular health, few things are as important as maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Resistance training has been proven to be an effective way to reduce blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension, or high blood pressure. In fact, regular resistance training can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by 4-9 mmHg. For those with hypertension, resistance training can be an invaluable tool for managing the condition and reducing risks associated with heart disease.

What makes resistance training so effective at reducing blood pressure? When exercising with weights, your muscles require more oxygen than during aerobic activities such as running or cycling. This increased oxygen demand forces your heart to pump harder, strengthening it over time and leading to lower blood pressure levels. Additionally, by increasing muscle mass through resistance training you increase your metabolic rate and burn more calories, which can also contribute to lower blood pressure levels.

In order to get the most benefit from resistance training for lowering blood pressure, it is important to focus on exercises that involve large muscle groups such as the legs, back, chest and shoulders. These exercises should be performed with moderate intensity and progressive overload in order to build strength and improve cardiovascular health. By regularly incorporating resistance training into your routine, you will not only enjoy the physical benefits of increased strength, but also reap the rewards of improved blood pressure levels.

3) Decreased body fat

Resistance training has been found to be particularly effective in helping reduce body fat levels. When you lift weights, your body needs energy to perform the movements and to repair the muscle tissue afterward. This energy is provided by burning calories. Studies have shown that when combined with a healthy diet, resistance training can help you lose fat quickly and effectively.

Furthermore, resistance training helps promote the growth of lean muscle mass, which increases your basal metabolic rate. This means that your body will continue to burn calories throughout the day, even when you are not actively exercising.

For best results, focus on full-body workouts that target multiple muscle groups. Not only will this help you achieve fat loss faster, but it will also increase your overall strength and endurance. Aim for 3-4 workouts per week and make sure to take at least one rest day in between sessions.

4) Improved bone density

Resistance training is an excellent way to improve your overall bone health. This type of exercise helps build muscle, but it also increases the amount of calcium and minerals that are stored in your bones, making them stronger.

This can help reduce the risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and other age-related bone conditions. Resistance training also stimulates the growth of new bone cells, which helps make bones even stronger. These benefits are especially important for those who are at higher risk for osteoporosis due to a family history or menopause.

5) Enhanced mental health

Resistance training has been linked to improved mental health benefits. While cardio workouts can help to clear your mind, resistance training can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve cognitive function. A recent study showed that adults who completed 12 weeks of resistance training experienced improved focus, reduced levels of fatigue, and better problem-solving skills. Resistance training has also been linked to improved sleep quality and a reduced risk of depression.

By engaging in resistance training, you can experience improved clarity and focus that can help you tackle difficult tasks and make sound decisions. This can be especially beneficial for students or anyone who is trying to increase their productivity. Plus, the endorphin rush that comes after a good workout can help to reduce stress and give you a better outlook on life.

Overall, resistance training is a great way to promote mental wellbeing and make sure you stay focused and energized throughout the day.