The benefits of strength training

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

There are many reasons why training with resistance bands, machines or barbells can improve your health.
Strength training - repetitions of exercises using weights or your own body weight, for instance - is known to increase bone density which can help prevent osteoporosis. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic also give some other reasons why you can benefit from stength training.

Getting stronger means better balance, co-ordination and agility so there is less chance of a disabling fall. It also helps maintain a healthy weight - by building muscle, which burns more calories than fat. Strengthening your back and abdominals also lessens chronic back pain. And finally, it makes everyday tasks like housework and shopping much easier. So look for opportunities to build strength training into your fitness routine.

Source
Mayo Clinic Health Letter January 2006

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