Don't resist Resistance Training

Resistance training is fast becoming one of the most popular and highest demand types of exercise in the world today. Although a lot of the people who exercise on a regular basis choose to only engage in aerobic activities such as running, bicycling, cardiovascular machines, and aerobic classes, many are adding or substituting resistance training for some of their aerobic workouts. Why? Simply put, resistance training provides several benefits that aerobic exercise cannot. It may be the single most important activity a person can perform to preserve and improve their quality of life. Nothing can strengthen the muscles, joints and bones like resistance training-thus making any activity easier, more enjoyable, and safer.
　
Besides providing protective benefits, resistance training has many applications for rehabilitation, skeletal imbalances, and the recovery or prevention of injuries. Resistance training should be an integral part of any fitness program. It can help with certain diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. Resistance training plays a major role like no other exercise can in helping to prevent osteoporosis by increasing the body’s bone density.
　
Another factor to realize is that every day of our lives, all of us have to live, move and function against a continuous resistance known as gravity. The effects of gravity become more and more apparent as we age. It is visible in our posture, our core, and the overall way in which we move and function. A good resistance training program, carried on throughout our lives, can make a remarkable difference as to how we are affected by this phenomenon.
　
Resistance training can also build, shape, or even sculpt the human body like nothing else. Due to the metabolic increase associated with gaining lean muscle tissue, it is also an important factor for weight loss. Resistance training compliments aerobic activities. Aerobic activity has been proven and well documented for its cardiovascular, and numerous other health benefits. Therefore, it would be best for us all to do some
combination of both, resistance training and aerobic work, to achieve optimum health. Cardiovascular conditioning should add longevity to life, and resistance training , as stated before, should add quality to life.
　
To be of benefit, however, resistance training must be done correctly. Done improperly, it may offer little or no benefits and in many cases cause more harm than good. There are several types, forms and techniques of resistance training utilized for different purposes. Each is designed to accomplish different goals. Some traditional exercises may be outdated, inconsistent with your goals, or inappropriate for you and your body.