November 5th,2009 Strength training involves using resistance against our muscles. This builds muscle mass and strength. Increased muscle mass leads to a higher metabolism which helps in weight loss. It is as important for women as it is for men.
Strength training is usually done using equipment such as dumbells,barbells,strap-on weights,resistance bands and gym equipment. If you don’t have access to these equipment,it’s alright because strength training can even be done using our own body for resistance which can be more effective at times.
We shouldn’t confuse strength training with power-weightlifting or body building. Those are competitive sports where you need to reach high levels of muscle building and bulking up.
The level we’re talking about here is to compensate for our sedentary lifestyles where our muscles are hardly exercised and also for the loss of muscle tissue that naturally occurs after the age of 30.
The aim is to increase strength rather than to look bulked up. Testosterone is the main hormone reponsible for muscle mass. Men have this hormone in abundance so it is easy for them to bulk-up,whereas women have very small amounts and cannot bulk-up unless it is with the help of special programs involving drugs,supplementation and long hours of weightlifting.
In today’s life the majority of people with weight problems are in jobs that require very little exertion. The same goes to overweight children. Compared to slimmer kids they normally do not engage in physical activity or sports.
Strength training is necessary for a healthy life and an absolute must for weight loss. It also helps the body avoid the flabby look that usually accompanies weight loss achieved through dieting or cardio exercises alone.
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