Is Resistance Training the Fountain of Youth?

Most people are aware that resistance training should be part of a well rounded exercise routine, but do you know why? The fact is strength training is vital to health and wellness for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. It is not merely for those who fancy themselves as athletes or bodybuilders. Increased muscle strength allows you to function at a higher level in life. Check a few of the positive health benefits of getting strong.

Boost Your Metabolism

Strength training has been shown to increase your resting metabolism which leads to a decrease in body fat. When you train with weights you burn a large amount of calories and that increased rate of calorie burn continues for hours after you stop working out. You can burn as many calories from a short weight lifting session as a long cardio session. Resistance training also increases your muscle mass, and muscle burns fat.

Live Longer

One of the most profound changes in the human body with age is the decrease in muscle mass. Many factors of mortality, such as loss of balance, decrease in hormones, increased falls and injuries are related to a loss of muscle. After the age of 30 humans begin to lose muscle mass every year. Resistance training preserves lean muscle mass and helps reduce factors of mortality as well as increase the quality of life. Resistance training is often used at Coast Spine Center to help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Protect Your Joints

In addition to strengthening your muscles, resistance training also strengthens your tendons and ligaments, which helps prevent joint injuries and degeneration. The joint protective powers of resistance training is another reason why the Spinal Rehabilitation Program at Coast Spine Center includes resistance exercises for postural muscles and the spinal column.

Elevate Your Mood

Strength training releases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine works to increase pain tolerance and serotonin is widely known as the “feel good” chemical. It is well established in scientific literature that increased levels of serotonin improve mood disorders, including depression. At Coast Spine Center we love this quote, “Exercise is the most potent and underused antidepressant…and it’s free”.

Fight Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a loss of bone density, more brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture. Regular resistance training has been proven to trigger bone building cells and increase crucial bone density.

If your goal is to be as healthy as possible, strength training is crucial. After a few short months you will see noticeable changes in strength and in body appearance. And unlike cardiovascular fitness, these changes are much more permanent. The health benefits will last a lifetime.

These are a few of the reasons why we are thrilled to have a Coast Spine Center location inside the Gold’s Gym in Stuart, FL. By combining the health benefits of corrective chiropractic care with the exercise services available in the gym this might just be the fountain of youth.