Resistance training, also commonly referred to as weight training or strength training is any exercise that involves contracting muscles against a resisted force. Resistance training is an effective and popular workout regimen used by people all around the world. Gaining muscle and burning fat are two of the most important benefits of resistance training.
Gain Muscle
If you’re looking to build muscle and strength, then adding resistance training to your routine is essential. Through various forms of resistance training, you are able to safely and effectively increase muscle size and strength. Resistance training is much more effective than traditional aerobic exercise for increasing muscle.
Burn Fat
Another major benefit of resistance training is that is helps you to burn more fat. While aerobic activities use up more oxygen and burn more calories while you’re working out, they don’t cause your body to utilize fat long after you’ve finished your workout. Studies have shown that resistance training helps your body burn more fat in the 24 hours after your workout is finished.
Other Benefits
In addition to gaining muscle and burning fat, there are many other benefits of resistance training that should be mentioned. Here are a few:
- Improved Posture – Studies have shown that regular resistance training can help improve posture and decrease the risk of injury to your back.
- Stronger Bones – Building muscle helps to make your bones stronger and less likely to fracture.
- More Energy – People who have regular weight training are often left feeling more energized and more alert after a make good workout.
- Better Health – Resistance training has been known to improve cardiovascular health and even decrease the risk of certain types of cancer.
All in all, resistance training is a great way to get in shape and reap the many benefits it has to offer. No matter what your fitness goals are, resistance training can help you reach them. Gaining muscle, burning fat, and improving overall health are just some of the great benefits that come with regular resistance training.
What is the difference between weightlifting and resistance training?
Weightlifting is a type of resistance training, but not all resistance training is weightlifting. Weightlifting is a form of resistance training that usually involves lifting free weights or weight machines. Resistance training, on the other hand, is any type of exercise in which your muscles work against a force. This can include a variety of things, such as barbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, and even your own bodyweight.
What are the benefits of resistance training versus weightlifting?
1. Greater muscle mass and strength gains: Resistance training will allow you to build muscle mass faster than just using weights alone.
2. Improved cardiovascular health: Regular resistance training helps improve your cardiovascular health. It forces you to use your body in many ways that static weightlifting alone can’t do.
3. Improved posture: With increased strength and muscle mass comes improved posture. Resistance training helps to build posture-improving muscles that help prevent back pain and improve your posture.
4. Elite athletic performance: Elite athletes use resistance training to increase the strength and agility needed to perform at a high level in their sport.
5. Injury prevention: Resistance training helps build strong muscles that help prevent injuries, both acute and chronic.
What are the differences between resistance training and weightlifting?
Weightlifting is a form of resistance training, but weightlifting focuses more on maximal strength gains and developing muscular power for events such as Olympic weightlifting. Resistance training includes any activity that places a load (either external or bodyweight) on the body’s muscles in order to develop muscular strength and size. Weightlifting includes specific exercises and drills done with barbells, dumbbells, and machines. Resistance training is a more generalized approach that can include any exercise that produces a muscular response. It can include bodyweight exercises, exercise bands, kettlebells, and more. While weightlifting will have a stronger emphasis on maximal strength development, resistance training can focus more on muscular endurance, muscular balance, and stability.
What are the benefits of resistance training vs. weightlifting?
1. Improved Muscular Strength & Power: Resistance training can increase muscular strength and power more than weightlifting by recruiting more muscle fibers due to the slow and controlled movement.
2. Improved Muscular Endurance: Resistance training can build muscular endurance more than weightlifting and can help you last longer during intense workouts.
3. Injury Prevention: Resistance training helps strengthen and stabilize your muscles, joints and ligaments, reducing the risk of injury.
4. Improved Posture: Resistance training helps to build a stronger, more balanced physique and improves posture.
5. Improved Flexibility: Resistance training requires the muscles to move through their full range of motion, which can help improve flexibility and the ability to move effectively.
6. Increased Metabolism: Resistance training puts the body into an oxygen-consuming state, which can help improve your overall metabolic rate and help you lose weight.
