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It’s easy to think of strength as something static – you either have it, or you don’t. But new research suggests we should seek out challenging physical movements throughout our entire lives. The benefits go beyond bigger muscles!

Under-appreciated benefits of strength training:

1. Live Independently Longer: The coordination you learn from strength training helps your brain keep your body stable. Especially when it comes to the legs and hips, strength is your ally for being able to live independently. Strength is crucial for independent living, and it is among the top determinants of whether you will endure a fall. If we don’t take action to preserve our muscle we will lose it, so strength training should be on your list every week. 

2. Better Blood Sugar: Your muscles can rapidly pull in blood sugar. Those who strength train regularly are better able to avoid high blood sugar spikes, and have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research confirms that within weeks, strength training improves blood sugar regulation. Even individuals with pre-existing diabetes have better symptom management if they begin training for strength. 

3. Build Stronger Muscles AND Bones: The strength of t=your muscle and bones is  closely related. As you strength train, your muscle pull on the bones, providing mechanical signals that help both tissues gain strength. Bones and muscles exchange chemical signals to help them adapt to the imposed demands of strength training, and bones can even get more dense after you start strength training. 

4. Lower blood pressure: New research shows that as we work the muscles, our circulation improves. The blood vessels adapt to the challenge of your workouts and this can help us keep our blood pressure in a healthier range. As we age, blood pressure tends to increase, so strength training can be part of an active lifestyle that reverses this trend.