What Is Strength Training?

The basic definition of strength training lies right in its name — it’s a form of exercise that focuses on building strength and improving muscular performance.

One of the most common forms of strength training is weightlifting, but there are many other methods of targeting certain muscle groups to develop strength and tone, including using medicine balls, resistance bands, and your own body weight.

When you work with a HOMEFIT trainer to build strength, we’ll employ the methods that work best for you.

For instance, if you want to get stronger while reducing joint pain, it might be better to use simple bodyweight exercises or low-impact equipment like bands. If you’re looking to develop muscle definition, free weights and more rigorous calisthenics exercises are generally more effective.

What Is Resistance Training?

The terms “resistance training” and “strength training” are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle yet significant differences between the two.

For one, the goal of resistance training isn’t exclusively to develop strength. It can be used to help you build your endurance, improve your flexibility, maintain your balance, and more.

Resistance training exercises can involve free weights, machines, resistance bands, and exercises that make use of your own body weight. Popular workouts like push-ups, pull-ups, planks, tricep dips, squats, bench presses, and deadlifts are all considered forms of resistance training.

The Benefits of Resistance and Strength Training

Some of the benefits of resistance and strength training are easy to discern without knowing much about them. But there are many more you may not know about, and some that may even surprise you.

Building Strength

Many of the people who use resistance and strength training primarily to build strength are athletes looking to improve their performance, but increasing your strength can be beneficial no matter who you are. Not only can it make it easier for you to lift heavy things and perform physical tasks, but it can also reduce your risk of injury.

Burning Fat

Strength training doesn’t just help you burn calories. It also improves your metabolic rate, which can help you make more efficient use of your energy and continue burning calories even when you’re not active.

That’s right — the more muscle mass you have, the better you’ll be able to keep body fat at bay.

While strenuous exercise of any kind will help to keep your total body fat levels down, one of the most stubborn areas in terms of fat retention is the abdomen.

If you’re having trouble burning off that stubborn belly fat, you’ll probably be interested to know that strength training has been shown to help target that specific area of the body better than many other forms of exercise.

Improving Balance and Reducing Injury Risk

As we age, the likelihood of a slip and fall or pulled muscle increases exponentially. While there’s no surefire way to avoid these sorts of injuries, strength training is one of the most effective at reducing the risk of experiencing one.

Many strength training exercises allow you to work on your balance and coordination. Likewise, developing muscle mass can help you maintain greater control over your body, improving your balance and stability in the process.

Not only that, but the improvements in bone density, mobility, and range of motion strength training offers are a great safeguard against various injuries that become more common as we get older.

Greater Flexibility

Having a greater range of strength, stability, coordination, and range of motion can help you avoid common injuries, but it can also improve your quality of life, particularly if you suffer from joint stiffness or arthritis.

Your workouts will help you become progressively more mobile over time, reducing arthritis symptoms and letting you do more of the things you love.

Improving Overall Health

Losing weight and improving muscle tone have some clear visual benefits, but they also offer some serious perks when it comes to your overall health that you won’t be able to see. These include decreased blood pressure, lower cholesterol, better circulation, and reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Heart disease is among the leading causes of death in the United States year after year, and the risk of developing diabetes becomes far greater as you age. While certain elements of these conditions are beyond our control, one of the best things you can do to combat them is to engage in regular strength and resistance exercises.

Strengthening Your Mind and Improving Your Mental Health

Surprisingly, strength training can also improve your mental health and cognitive function.

Regular exercise reduces inflammation and increases blood flow, keeping your brain healthy and staving off the cognitive decline that often comes with age. It also helps to regulate mood, which can reduce anxiety, promote feelings of well-being, and create a stronger state of mind overall.

When you begin to see and feel the results of your at-home strength training, you’re likely to feel a huge boost in self-esteem, which can also be good for your mental health.

Why Choose Us for Your At-Home Strength Training?

When you’re ready to start your at-home strength and resistance training, a HOMEFIT personal trainer can help you go above and beyond what you thought was possible.

All of our trainers are highly educated and qualified to bring you a 100% custom-tailored home fitness plan on a flexible schedule. Our personalized workouts are guaranteed to fit your schedule, living space, fitness level, and preferences and help you smash your fitness goals, whatever they may be.

We can even provide you with all the necessary equipment, meaning you don’t have to spend a fortune on fitness gear and accessories in order to enjoy the amazing benefits of resistance and strength training.

Start Your In-Home Strength Training Today

To learn more about HOMEFIT’s personalized in-home strength training or book an appointment with a trainer, contact us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and take the first step on your home fitness journey together!