Several components make up a well-rounded health and fitness program. These components included fitness skills like endurance, strength, speed, power, balance, agility, and flexibility.
If you participate in a functional fitness training program, like CrossFit, you’re getting a lot of these essential components in your regular workouts. But let’s take a closer look at strength.
Here are a few reasons why specific strength training is vital to your health:
1. Increase Strength.
The purpose of strength training is to increase strength – no surprise there. And while strength training will allow you to lift heavy objects, it will make lifting lighter, everyday objects easier, as well. Building and maintaining strength so you can comfortably carry out the tasks of daily life leads to an improved lifestyle overall.
2. Maintain Muscle Mass.
Your lean body mass, or muscle mass, is a huge factor in your metabolism. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn while sitting or at rest. As adults, our lean body mass will begin to decrease after age 30. While this is a natural part of the aging process, you can slow down the decrease and maintain muscle mass through strength training.
3. Better Bone Health.
The weight-bearing aspect of strength training contributes to your bone health. Strength training increases bone density while strengthening the connective tissue, which supports your muscles. The result is a reduced risk of osteoporosis and less chance of future bone fractures.
4. Improve Body Mechanics.
While strength training maintains your bone and muscle mass, it also benefits other elements of fitness beyond building strength. Strength training also improves your balance and coordination, as well as your posture. Performing a variety of functional strength training movements leads to improved body mechanics both inside and outside of the gym.
5. Decrease Risk for Injuries.
Strength training leads to stronger muscles and bones, making your body more resistant to injury. Building a strong infrastructure decreases your risk for injuries, including less chance of having a bone break due to falling.
To learn more about the programs we’re currently offering at Cannon Fitness and Performance in Houston, contact us today.