Every adult has 206 bones, but did you know the number of muscles supporting these bones is three times more? Together your bones and muscles make up the musculoskeletal system of the human body.
Your body’s muscles help you move, pick things up, digest food and breathe in air. Yet, despite this being widely known, while all of these are widely known, we often neglect exercising them to improve their strength, flexibility and mobility.
This is where strength training comes in a form of exercise that uses resistance to build strength, the benefits of muscle training are limitless. Contrary to common belief, this style of training is not just restricted to athletes and bodybuilders.
With the help of resistance equipment as well as strength and conditioning classes, you will soon experience the physical and mental benefits of strength training. In this strength training and muscle-building guide, you’ll understand how your body benefits from strength training irrespective of your age.
1. Improved Strength and Muscle Mass
The most obvious benefit of your strength training journey is increased muscle size and definition. With consistent training, you will soon see physical changes due to increased muscle mass. However, building muscles is not all about aesthetics, it is more importantly improving function and performance. This is achieved by performing various targeted exercises and using a range of resistance equipment, resulting in the development of progressed strength and stamina.
Strength training is not restricted to any particular gender or profession, and only becomes more important as we age. While some equipment is recommended, and of course is provided in The Somatic Clinic, body weight can also be used for weight resistance in strength training. Common muscle-building equipment includes free weights, resistance bands, and weight machines.
It is important to note that training equipment needs to be used with caution and under the right guidance, this is why it is advised to train under the supervision of a personal trainer if you are just starting out. At The Somatic Clinic’s resistance classes, our personal trainers will ensure that you meet your strength-training goals, whatever they may be.
2. Better Bone Health
Bone density refers to the quantity of minerals in your bones and the amount of space it occupies. Strength training puts just enough stress on your bones to increase their density.
When strength training and using resistance stretching, your body breaks down old bone tissue and pushes the production of new bone tissue, resulting in stronger and denser bones. Also known as bone remodelling, this is how your body maintains healthy bones and prevents possible future injuries.
As we age, the amount of physical activity we do tends to slow down, causing reduced bone strength with little growth of new bone tissue. This can make you prone to injury and conditions like osteoporosis.
All adults, particularly the elderly, can benefit from working with a professional for strength and resistance training. At The Somatic Clinic, we understand the immense benefits of strength training and through our personal training and muscle-building classes, our trainers work alongside you to build stronger muscles and bones for the long haul.
3. Weight Loss and Increased Metabolism
With resistance training, you not only achieve your strength training goals, but can also lose weight in the process. It's a win-win situation, but how exactly does this work?
You build muscle through training and this increased muscle mass burns more calories at rest than fat. After your muscle-building class, your muscles will recover and repair themselves, which means your body continues to use energy and burn calories even after your workout. Another win-win!
This, in turn, contributes towards a healthier weight and leaner body composition, keeping you fit and metabolic diseases at bay. Additionally, since muscle burns more calories, it also boosts your metabolism.
4. Prevents Injury
Over time, muscles lose elasticity, making you more prone to tears, strains and bruises. These injuries, whether major or minor, can cause pain and take more time to recover. However, if you are training your muscles regularly you’ll be able to lower your risk of falls and instability. In the event of a fall or injury, your body will be more resilient and you should have a shorter recovery period.
Different forms of muscle training are known to be effective at preventing injuries, including bodyweight exercises, resistance band training, and weight lifting. They help enhance the strength, range of motion and mobility of your muscles, ligaments and tendons.
At The Somatic Clinic, we take injury prevention, recovery and rehabilitation very seriously. We set achievable strength training goals for you, ensuring a balanced and holistic approach, so you can improve the strength, mobility and range of motion of your musculoskeletal system. In the case where an injury requires further attention and treatment, however, our osteopathic services ensure a safe space where advice, diagnosis and treatment can be secured in the same facility as your training.
5. Better Mental Health and Overall Well-Being
Muscle training benefits are not restricted to the body alone. Exercise in general improves your mental health, cognitive function and self-esteem.
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy. These feel-good hormones are natural mood enhancers reducing your stress and anxiety levels and enhancing your overall mood.
Heavy weight lifting can also enhance your mind-body connection. Lifting weights requires razor-sharp focus when targeting a particular muscle or muscle group. When you repeatedly focus on that muscle or muscle group, it builds a connection between your mind and body.
Let The Somatic Clinic Help You Achieve Your Strength Training Goals
Muscle training is a key component of overall fitness for everyone, regardless of gender, age or profession. For a more diverse training programme, try a combination of strength, cardiovascular and functional training.
Interested in jumpstarting your strength training journey, but don’t know where to start? At The Somatic Clinic, our experienced personal trainers design a personalised programme according to your strength training goals. Whether you’re a novice at using muscle-building equipment or a seasoned weight lifter in need of a muscle-building guide - we cater to all.
We also offer various osteopathic treatments and therapies for joint stiffness, injury management and alleviating muscle pain.
Contact us to find out more about our services, or give our Wellingborough clinic a visit.