WHY STRENGTH TRAINING?
Strength training can sound a bit daunting, with visions of sweaty gyms packed with glistening muscles. That's definitely for some people, but for many, strength training (otherwise known as weight training or muscle training) can be done in the comfort of your own home and there are many levels of training, it’s just about finding what works best for you.
You might be thinking “well, I already do yoga and I run a couple of times a week, do I really need strength training as well?” The answer is a massive YES! To give your exercise and wellbeing programme the balance it needs, it’s important to try and incorporate exercises which help to build strength in your bones alongside toning your muscles.
Strength training uses movements where you use your bodyweight or extra weight in the form of weights such as dumbbells, resistance bands or kettlebells, to build muscle mass and increase your overall strength.
There are so many proven and scientific benefits to strength training that some say if you only want to do one thing to improve your health, this is it. Take a look at some of our top reasons why you should be including strength in your own routine:
#1 Strength means stronger!
The clue is in the name but by including strength training in your routine, you will actually become stronger. This in turn can help in other areas of your life, such as carrying a screaming toddler around or building strength in your arms to nail that handstand.
#2 Decrease your risk of injury.
Those little niggles that can put you off going for a run, or hold you back in a yoga sequence can be improved with regular strength training. Training will help to improve the mobility of your muscles and your range of motion, reinforcing injury-prone areas such as your knees, hips and ankles.
#3 Increased flexibility.
Yes we all know the benefits of exercises such as yoga and pilates in increasing our bodies flexibility, but strength training can also play a key part. As it increases the joint range of motion, this actually means you have greater mobility and in turn greater flexibility. Why not try our Strengthen + Flo class for a great introduction?
#4 Good mood vibes!
Working out releases those feel-good endorphins and strength training is scientifically proven to boost your mood and help to reduce anxiety. It can also play a huge part in your quality of life as you age - studies have found those that continue to include strength in their routine have increased physical and mental wellbeing than those that do not.
#5 It can help as we enter the perimenopause and menopause.
Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop as we age, which can be noticed in niggly joint pain, weight gain on midriff, changes to mood and sleep patterns and heightened risk to breaking bones. These days, there is far more to good menopause care than just taking HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and a far more holistic approach is encouraged. As part of that, strength training can play a key role in supporting our bone health. Certain exercises can help to strengthen muscles, which can in turn help prevent falls, and therefore, breaking bones. Women who include strength training in their fitness regime also help maintain better posture, strength, flexibility and movement. There are plenty of other benefits to strength training in menopause and we would recommend consulting an expert for further information. A great resource is Positive Pause - The Menopause Experts.
So, we hope we have converted you. Strength training no longer has to have its scary connotations and can easily be incorporated into your weekly routine. Why not try one of Hannah’s live classes available each week for members, or try our six class strength series from Ross - great for those looking to start out on their strength journey or cement a good lifestyle habit.
Why not become a member at Balance + Glo and gain access live and on-demand strength training classes, plus much more…