Benefits of Strength Training : Improved Physical Performance
and Appearance
By Chad Tackett
Improved Physical Performance and Appearance
One important result of strength training is increased
physical performance. Muscles quite literally utilize energy to produce
movement, functioning as the engine or powerhouse of the body. Strength
training increases the muscles' size, strength, and endurance, which
contribute to improvements in our work, our favorite sports and hobbies,
and our general day-to-day activities.
Another benefit of a good strength-training program is
its effect on our overall appearance and body composition, which can
directly influence self-esteem, self-worth, and level of confidence.
Take, for example, a 170-pound man who has 20 percent body fat--34 pounds
of fat weight and 136 pounds of lean body weight (muscle, bones, organs,
water, etc.) By beginning an effective strength training program, he
replaces five pounds of fat with five pounds of muscle. He still weighs
170 pounds, but he is now 17 percent fat--with 29 pounds of fat weight
and 141 pounds of lean body weight. Although his body weight remains
the same, his strength, muscle tone, and metabolism have improved, giving
him a firmer, more fit appearance.
Both our physical appearance and our physical performance
can be improved by muscle gain or hampered by muscle loss. Research
indicates that unless we strength train regularly, we lose more than
one-half pound of muscle every year of our lives after age 25. Unless
we implement a safe and effective strength-training program, our muscles
gradually decrease in size and strength in the process called "atrophy."
Strength training is therefore important for preventing
the muscle loss that normally accompanies the aging process. A common
misconception is that as we get older, it is normal to stop being active
and to start using ambulatory aides like canes and wheelchairs. Many
people think we have no choice; they think this is normal.
But this couldn't be further from the truth. There is absolutely
no reason why all of us can't be physically, mentally, socially, and
sexually active, living a healthy vibrant life until the very day we
die! The reason many elderly people rely on ambulatory aides and become
slower and fatter is simply that over the years their muscles are decreasing,
so their physical performance and metabolism also decrease, becoming
less efficient.
This article was provided by GHF.
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