Many people turn to strength training—such as lifting weights or performing resistance exercises—as a way to build muscle. But this class of fitness does a lot more than that. No matter what your skill level, this practice a smart investment for your body, here are five health benefits that weight training offers.  

5 Benefits of Strength Training Beyond Muscle Growth  

1. Boosts Fat-Burning Power

Muscle burns more calories than fat. By increasing your muscle mass, you can boost your metabolism to burn calories even when you’re resting. In addition to the long-term calorie boost, research also shows that high-intensity strength training can increase the “afterburn effect”—a term used to describe increased calorie burning up to 72 hours after a workout.

2. Protects the Heart

The American Heart Association recommends strength training at least twice a week due to its fat-burning benefits. While fat reduction offers long-term cardiovascular health benefits, strength training is also shown to reduce blood pressure—a benefit that can lower the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

3. Strengthens Bones

In addition to building muscle tissue, progressive resistance training is shown to strengthen bones. By keeping your skeleton strong, you’re at a lower risk of developing osteoporosis—a chronic condition that causes more than 1.5 million bone fractures a year among Americans.  

4. Reduces Risk of Sports Injury

Many athletes rely on strength training as a way to reduce their risk of sports injury. Specifically, building stronger muscles provides additional support to joints and ligaments and reduces the amount of friction they experience during activity. Proper weight training can also promote more balanced muscles to improve overall form, as well as prevent tears and spasms.

5. Lifts Mood

While looking more toned can certainly boost one’s self-esteem, strength training is shown to have a more direct benefit to mental health. Research has shown that weight and resistance training can help lower anxiety and depression. It also helps people sleep better—a benefit that can help with stress reduction.

Are you ready to take advantage of the many benefits that strength training has to offer? As a state-of-the-art gym in Snohomish, WA, Life & Elite Fitness is a great resource for building stronger muscles. Through their customized personal training programs, you can master a variety of weight and resistance techniques to boost your mass and strength in a safe, balanced fashion. They also offer a fully equipped weight room where members can pump iron in a comfortable setting. Visit this fitness center online to learn more about their amenities, and call (206) 450-0964 to learn more about becoming a member.