Benefits of Strength Training

Regular strength training has benefits for nearly everybody, including the elderly, those with chronic conditions or pain, those trying to rehab or prevent injury.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Improves energy level and mood
• Increases resting metabolic rate (the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest)
• Prevents loss of function with aging
• Prevents falls in the elderly
• Keeps your bones strong and helps prevent loss of bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
• Lower injury risk by stabilizing around the joints, improving body mechanics, and even improving proprioception and coordination.
• Regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular function
• Makes you smarter. Seriously!– Strength training has been linked to increased function of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is involved in learning and memory.

That’s a whole lot of good reasons to start (or continue) strength training. Wondering where to start? Consult with your physical therapist to make a plan for getting started safely and effectively!