One of our favorite aspects of exercise is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. Anything you do that moves your body can give your health a helping hand. There’s a common misunderstanding, though, that cardiovascular exercise is better for your health while strength training is only for building “glamour muscles.”
In reality, building muscle is incredibly helpful for your health (and your kids’ health) in many ways. These are just the top benefits of building muscle at any age.
Higher Metabolism
With so much talk in the news about the US’s obesity epidemic, every parent is concerned about their kids’ weight management today and in the future. It turns out that strength training is one of the best tools at your disposal. Muscle burns energy even while at rest, so building muscle increases your metabolism so you’re less likely to gain weight.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Sure, cardio workouts are great for your heart health, but they aren’t the only type of workouts that get this job done. In fact, a 2014 study published in Obesity: A Research Journal found that when it came to preventing abdominal fat, one of the top risk factors for cardiovascular disease, strength training was actually more effective than cardio exercise. Building muscle also improves your cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides – three other major risk factors.
More Protection Against Injuries
No parent wants to see their child get hurt, and some minor workout injuries can become serious if you don’t treat them properly. Whenever you can, it’s best to prevent injuries altogether, and building muscle will help. Stronger muscles are able to better support your tendons, lowering your risk for the very common tendinitis. Building muscle also improves your balance, making you less likely to fall and get injured in other ways too.
Better Blood Sugar Management
Type 2 diabetes is a serious illness, and it’s often preventable if we are more conscious of our diet and exercise habits starting at a young age. For you and your kids, strength training workouts can help you keep your blood sugar under control and lower your risk for developing diabetes. For those who already have type 2 diabetes, building muscle helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Strength training improves your muscles’ ability to take in and use the sugar from your blood. This keeps your blood sugar levels more stable and predictable. Not only are you less likely to develop type 2 diabetes or suffer complications if you have diabetes, but you’ll have a more consistent energy level from those controlled blood sugar levels too.
Building a Stronger Family
Every parent wants the best for their kids, and kids want the best for their parents. Strength training workouts go a long way toward a longer, healthier life, especially if you get the whole family involved. To find out how, learn more about our Mommy and Me family workout program. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram too for more family fitness tips.