Question:
I’ve been training pretty steady for the last eight months, so now I am getting interested in what I’m getting out of my training. Could you tell me about the specific benefits I’m receiving?
(Shanice, West Hempstead)
Answer:
The health benefits of strength training are:
- A change in body composition to a more lean muscular look
- Cardio endurance
- Muscular endurance
- Flexibility
- An increase in strength
The health benefits are wonderful, but the life skills attained along with improving life quality are equally beneficial:
- Better agility
- Balance improves
- Better coordination - muscle and nervous system working together for smoother movements
- Improvement in reaction time - the time it take s to respond to a stimulus
- An increase in overall speed when your body is in movement.
So training definitely gives you a bang for the buck. Keep training and keep learning. When you understand the “why” of things that you do, you will truly have the mind/muscle connection. A quick note about the holiday season: A great deal of food, especially desserts will come your way at work, parties and family dinners. Since you are working hard at fitness, be smart and choose food wisely. Enjoy yourself, but keep the balance.
