Fads are common in the fitness world, just think of Richard Simmons videos, Boflex infomercials and Shake Weights as examples. Some fitness fads, however, can stand the test of time.
Recently there has been increased popularity in strength training. This type of exercise, which is also referred to as resistance training, is designed to improve muscular fitness as the muscles generate force against external stimuli.1 Unlike other fitness fads, strength training is timeless because it helps to preserve and maintain healthy muscle.
Once thought to be an activity for athletes, strength training is now recommended as a safe and effective way to improve health. What’s more, anyone can benefit from this type of exercise regimen – be it male or female, novice or professional, young or old.2
Although it can seem overwhelming to set new health and wellness goals, this blog (and the two in this series to follow) aims to provide clarity and tips in strength training for a healthy year and a healthier you. Before getting started with a new strength training program, it is important to understand a few simple principles that lead to incredible health benefits.
The three aforementioned principles represent the basis on which strength develops. Becoming a stronger and healthier version of yourself requires progression and specificity to avoid reversibility. Creating a strength goal with these concepts in mind is a great way to form a base in your training. Since growth extends beyond lifting heavier weights in a gym setting, your strength goals will lend themselves into everyday health benefits, such as:
The body is meant to move and more effective movement comes from developing strength. That said, it is important to keep safety top of mind when exercising in order to prevent injuries. If you do feel unusual aches and pains after working out, make sure to schedule a free injury screening at your nearest Athletico location.
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The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
References
1. ACSM Information on: Resistance Training for Health and Fitness. American College of Sports Medicine, 2013.
2. Kraemer, William., & Ratamess, Nicholas. “Fundamentals of Resistance Training: Progression and Exercise Prescription.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36, No. 4, 2004, pp. 674–688.
3. Powers, Scott., & Howley, Edward. Exercise Physiology Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. McGraw Hill Education, 2015.
4. Kravitz, L. “Resistance Training: Adaptations and Health Implications.” Exercise Science at University of New Mexico, https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/index.html. Accessed 12, December 2016.