By the way, it's not your imagination. If your body isn’t looking quite as toned or feeling quite as firm as it once was, there's a good reason why. If strength training hasn't been part of your life, and you're thirty or older, your muscle mass can decrease three to five percent each decade. And, to add insult to that muscle loss, this natural aging process simultaneously causes us to gain fat. But don't throw in the towel just yet, there's still hope. The good news is, it’s never too late to turn things around with a quality strength training program. Since we aren't getting any younger, let's get to work!
1. Muscle boosts metabolism
When your body tissue feels less toned and a little on the doughy side, that's due to an increased layer of fat and a decrease in muscle mass. You can tackle both of these issues with proper strength training. If your metabolism seems to be a little on the sluggish side, muscle is what your body has been missing and strength training will help you look and feel firm again.
Because muscles move and engage, they require more energy to exist, whereas fat is simply stored. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories your body uses for energy in order to sustain itself. This increase in metabolism allows you to efficiently burn more calories.
With high-intensity strength training, all of your effort goes toward muscle-building movements. This approach will provide the necessary demand for your muscles to grow bigger and stronger. Your body will become firm and toned in the least amount of time possible.
If you haven’t done strength training before or you aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. Working with a qualified personal trainer is one of the safest ways to get on track. The most effective way to build muscle is to perform slow-movement-high-intensity strength training. This approach will help you achieve the best results safely and efficiently.
"Strength training is important because it helps counteract muscle loss associated with aging. And since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue does, muscle mass is a key factor in weight loss." - Mayo Clinic
2. Muscle increases bone density
Lack of muscle can put you at risk for injuries and Osteoporosis. Lack of strength and weak, brittle bones are a dangerous combination. It can affect your balance which can lead to taking a fall and breaking a bone.
A slow-movement-high-intensity strength training program will build muscle, stabilize bones, and increase bone density. It is a safe and effective way to a stronger, healthier body.
Muscle also plays a direct role in posture by keeping your skeletal structure upright and properly aligned. By increasing muscle mass, your body is able to function more productively. Keeping your muscles strong allows them to do their job effectively which in the long-run will prevent back pain and imbalances in the body.
"Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is tremendously useful to help offset age-related declines in bone mass." - Harvard Health
3. Muscle makes life better
Every movement your body makes requires muscle. When your body is in pain or doesn't have the necessary strength to function efficiently, every daily activity takes more effort than it should. And worst of all, lack of strength can also prevent you from participating in the things you love to do.
The stronger your body is, the more able you are to execute your actions and movements with confident intent versus apprehension. The more capable you are to complete daily activities the less likely you are to suffer an injury.
Most importantly, because muscle allows your body to move efficiently, it will allow you to safely enjoy the things you love to do, like riding a bike, paddle-boarding, backpacking, or simply playing with your kids. A strong body makes for a happy and active life.
"Healthy muscles let you move freely and keep your body strong. They help you to enjoy playing sports, dancing, walking the dog, swimming, and other fun activities." - National Institute of Health
Get strong today!
The fountain of youth may only be a myth, but strength training isn't and it's the closest thing you're going to find. Think about it, if building muscle is the key to a firmer, thinner body, stronger bones and enjoying the things you love to do, it truly is the way to a more youthful you. So, find a qualified personal trainer that specializes in slow-movement-high-intensity strength training. They will safely guide you through the exercises while keeping you motivated and accountable. If you're looking for a personal trainer in Santa Rosa, California, Click here. Start turning back the clock today. Go for it, you deserve to feel young again!
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