Resistance Training – Health Benefits

Resistance training (RT) can benefit people of all ages, here’s why!

RT is the use of resistance during muscle contractions in order to build strength, anaerobic endurance and size of skeletal muscle. It is based on the principal that if you expose your muscles to stress, they will adapt and grow stronger in order to cope.

The Australian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines recommend that adults do RT exercises on at least two days each week. Some examples of different types of RT can include: free weights, weight machines, medicine balls, kettlebells, resistance bands or your own bodyweight.

Health Benefits of RT both physical and mental include:

• Improved muscle strength and tone

• Weight management

• Increased stamina

• Prevention or control of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, back pain, etc.

• Pain management

• Improved mobility and balance and a reduced falls risk

• Improved posture

• Decreased risk of injury

• Improved bone density and strength leading to a reduced risk of osteoporosis

• Improved sense of wellbeing (self-confidence, body image and mood)

• Increased self-esteem

• Enhanced performance/level of function for activities of daily living

RT for Beginners

Before starting a RT program for the first time it is important to consult with professions, such as your doctor, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist so that they can do a pre-exercise screening assessment on you. This can identify medical conditions that may put you at a higher risk of experiencing a health problem during physical activity.

Everyone wishing to exercise should do so safely and with correct form in order to reduce the risk of injury. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help you develop a safe, effective program specific to your needs and goals.

For more information on the benefits of RT please click here or contact us at Infinite Health Chatswood - Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology & Massage to start your program today.