Resistance training involves using your muscles against a resisting force, which could be anything from dumbbells and other weights to your own body weight.
It’s suitable for complete beginners and experienced pros alike, and it has many benefits across all age groups. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits you can enjoy whatever your age.
Resistance training simply means working your muscles against a resisting force. This normally involves lifting weights, but it could also involve using your own weight or gym equipment like resistance bands.
During training, muscle fibres are broken down and the body then repairs them. This causes the muscles to grow stronger and become more toned.
From improving your body shape to increasing muscle strength and power, resistance training has many benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits for people in different age groups.
For young adults and adolescents, one of the main goals of resistance training is often to achieve a toned physique. Resistance training helps to increase muscle size, and the aesthetic benefits can be appealing.
However, stronger muscles can also help to improve performance, which can be useful for people engaging in sports and activities.
A related benefit of resistance training includes a potentially positive impact on self-esteem due to the sense of achievement and the confidence boost it can provide.
For people in their forties and fifties, the benefits of resistance training are often less about physical appearance and more focused on health and wellness.
As we age, it becomes important to maintain muscle mass and muscle strength. Resistance training can help to combat the natural decline in muscle mass. It can also help with weight management, which is important for overall health.
Like other types of exercise, it can also help to release endorphins, which can improve mood.
Older adults can also enjoy the benefits of resistance training. One of the major benefits is that it can help to slow down loss of muscle mass, helping elderly people stay stronger for longer.
This can also help to improve balance and mobility as well as reduce the risk of falls. It can allow older adults to maintain independence for longer, so it can have a positive impact on their quality of life.
Resistance training can be an important component of a balanced fitness programme, and you can start to incorporate resistance training no matter what your age.
Resistance training is highly adaptable and versatile, making it ideal for anyone. How you go about it will depend on various factors, including your fitness level, strength, experience and age.
You could start by investing in dumbbells, kettlebells or medicine balls, all of which can be used at home for resistance training.
You can also use your body weight and focus on exercises like sit-ups and push-ups.
Resistance bands are another good option. Small, portable and affordable, they are easy to use anywhere.
Or you might prefer to go to the gym and use weight machines like fixed-resistance machines.
Just remember that proper technique is essential for safety and to ensure you get the best results. You might want to get help from a personal trainer to build a program specifically for you.
Resistance training has many benefits for any age group and experience level. Versatile and easy to do without the need for much equipment, it can have huge benefits throughout your life.
Think about the ways you can incorporate resistance training into your lifestyle, and enjoy the benefits for yourself, no matter what your age.
