What is strength training? a primer for Busy Professionals

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If you're a corporate employee who spends most of your day sitting at a desk, you might be wondering how to stay fit and healthy. One of the best ways to do that is by strength training. Now, what is strength training? Strength training is a type of exercise. It involves using resistance to build muscle, bone, and connective tissue. It can help you improve your posture. It can also prevent injuries, boost your metabolism, and enhance your mood. In this article, we'll explain what strength training is. We'll also explain why it's important to know this and how it can help you cope with a sedentary lifestyle.

What is strength training?

Strength training is any exercise that makes your muscles work harder than usual. You can do this by lifting weights, using resistance bands, doing bodyweight exercises, or using machines. The goal is to overload your muscles so that they adapt and grow stronger over time. You can do strength training in different ways, such as:

• Doing a few sets of a specific exercise with a moderate weight and resting between sets.
• Doing as many repetitions as possible of an exercise with a light weight and little or no rest between sets.
• You can do a combination of exercises that target different muscle groups. You can do them in a circuit or superset format.
• Doing explosive movements that need power and speed, such as jumps, throws, or sprints.
• You can tailor strength training to your goals, preferences, and fitness level.
• You can choose the exercises, equipment, frequency, intensity, and duration that suit you best.
• You can also vary your routine to keep it challenging and fun.

Why is strength training important to know?

It is important to know about strength training because it has many benefits for your health and well-being. Some of the benefits are:

• It improves your body composition. This happens by increasing your muscle mass and decreasing your body fat percentage. This can make you look leaner, fitter, and more toned.
• It strengthens your bones and joints by stimulating bone formation. It also reduces bone loss. This can lower your risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis.
• It enhances your functional ability. It improves your balance, coordination, mobility, and flexibility. This can help you perform daily activities with ease and prevent falls and injuries.
• It boosts your metabolism by increasing your resting metabolic rate. It also raises your energy expenditure. This can help you burn more calories even when you're not exercising. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
• It elevates your mood by releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters. They make you feel good. This can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your self-esteem and confidence.

How does strength training help a corporate employee with a sedentary lifestyle?

Strength training can help a corporate employee with a sedentary lifestyle in several ways. Some of the ways are:

• It counteracts the negative effects of sitting for long hours. It does so by activating your muscles. It improves your blood circulation. It prevents muscle loss and stiffness.
• It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation levels.
• It increases your productivity and performance. It enhances your cognitive function, memory, creativity, and concentration.
• It relieves your tension and pain by relaxing your muscles. It also releases tight knots and improves your posture and alignment.
• It adds variety and enjoyment to your routine. It gives you a break from your work. It allows you to socialize with others. It challenges you in new ways.

Conclusion

Strength training is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It's helpful for corporate employees with sedentary lifestyles. It can help you improve your body composition, bone health, functional ability, metabolism, mood, and more. You don't need much time or equipment to do it; you just need motivation and guidance. You can start by doing some simple exercises at home or the office. Or, join a gym or a class that offers strength training programs. The key is to be consistent, progressive, and safe. Remember that strength training is not only good for your body but also for your mind and soul.

The next thing you might want to know is about equipment. Go over to the "Home Gym Essentials" page for more.