Benefits of Strength Training
Rimon teaching a beginners strength training group session
To fully appreciate the benefits of strength training, it's essential to clarify what it involves. In recent years, the popularity of ‘Strength & Conditioning’ classes and other exercises labeled as ‘strength-based’ has muddied the waters. This article, from a world-class personal training company specializing in true strength and conditioning, will delve into the details.
Why Strength Training is Important
So, what exactly is strength training and why is it crucial?
Strength training is a form of exercise where individuals enhance their muscle and body strength through progressive movement patterns. It can be categorized into different types, with some focusing on muscle growth and others on pure strength increases and sports performance.
Most clients seeking personal training aim to improve their strength, muscle mass, and body composition. Lifting weights and progressively increasing the load over time is an excellent way to achieve these goals.
Benefits of Muscle Strength
The benefits of muscle strength extend far beyond just looking better. Improving muscle strength offers numerous advantages, including enhanced heart health, injury prevention, increased longevity, and improved mental well-being.
Strength and conditioning training, once exclusive to elite athletes, can significantly impact the general population. While athletes aim for peak performance and injury prevention, everyday individuals can benefit from improved functionality, such as completing a 5km run pain-free or having the strength for a weekend hike.
What a Typical Strength Training Session Looks Like
So, what does strength training look like in practice?
Many exercise classes claim to be ‘strength workouts,’ but true strength training focuses on specific movement patterns: Squat, Hinge, Push, Pull, and Carry. These movements can start with bodyweight exercises for beginners to build confidence and technique before progressing to weights.
Building strength requires clear, measurable progress, such as lifting heavier weights, completing more repetitions, or improving movement efficiency. Unlike some random exercise routines, strength training sessions are structured and methodical.
Typically, a strength training session begins with the most demanding exercise, often a lower body movement, and progresses to less taxing exercises. The specific exercises depend on the client's goals, prioritizing the movements and muscle groups most relevant to their objectives.
For instance, recreational runners would focus on lower body strength, targeting muscles around the hips, knees, and ankles, while also benefiting from upper body and core training. This holistic approach ensures balanced strength and improved running efficiency.
Benefits of Strength Training for Women
The importance of strength training for women has gained significant attention in the past decade. Women benefit just as much, if not more, than men from strength training. It should be a primary focus for women looking to improve body composition, maintain muscle tissue as they age, and feel empowered.
The outdated notion that endless cardio is the key to a toned look has been debunked. Women are achieving impressive performance levels, both elite and recreational, by incorporating strength training into their routines.
Other than managing energy and recovery during different stages of the menstrual cycle, there’s no reason for women to approach strength training differently from men. Exercise selection and progression should be tailored to the individual, regardless of gender, following the core principles of strength training for optimal results.
Learn More About Strength Training
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of strength training, feel free to contact us!
