Strength training is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. In fact, many people have started participating in strength training workouts at home to ensure that their body can be in the best shape possible. While many people used to associate strength training with bodybuilders, the truth is that this is a form of exercise that everyone can benefit from.
What is strength training?
In very simple terms, strength training (also known as resistance training) is basically the use of resistance that makes muscular contraction slightly harder. This is done to build the strength, overall size, and even anaerobic endurance of your muscles. Using resistance bands is one of the most common ways to start strength training, though, of course, only a trainer can guide you regarding the same.
What is the impact of strength training on your lungs and heart?
When you start strength training, what you’re actually doing is making the upper body’s muscles much stronger. As a result, you end up lessening the work of the lungs and heart. When there is a comparatively lower amount of strain on these organs, they become much healthier as time goes by. In other words, the chances of getting a heart attack or suffering from other cardiovascular and pulmonary problems is much less when you put in the work to strength train your muscles.
In fact, when people undergo a heart attack and require cardiovascular rehabilitation after the surgery, doctors often recommend that they start strength training. Now, since modern medicine has evolved to the point it is at today, strength training is also used to prevent cardio health (which means it is used to prevent cardiovascular problems).
On a similar note, strength training is also very good for the health of your lungs. Strength training helps by making weaker arm and leg muscles much stronger, which in turn helps by increasing your body’s endurance. When endurance is higher, it reduces how easily your body undergoes exhaustion and breathlessness, so in the long term, your lungs don’t have to work as hard. As time goes by, this improves your pulmonary health.
It is believed that strength training is especially helpful for people with lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis. In fact, when the body’s natural endurance increases, household tasks that were once credited with making you tired do not seem to do so anymore.
How does weight loss play a role in all this?
Strength training can help with weight loss, which can ultimately improve your heart and lung health. This is mainly because obesity is associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. When your body has too much weight, it becomes very hard for the lungs and heart to function at their best. Additionally, obesity can also cause a decrease in blood oxygen, which can cause major problems with other organs in the body.
Is it too late to start?
However, it is still important to speak to a doctor and then your personal trainer before starting any new exercise routine. It is important not to overdo it, and it is also vital to follow the right diet in alignment with your workouts. One of them who also trains celebrities is Maik Wiedenbach, he is one of the best personal trainer in NYC, an Olympian, two-time World Cup and Olympic-level swimmer, and Musclemania champion. Maik is also the author of multiple books and articles on health and fitness, as well as being a featured consultant on several print and digital publications.
One of the best ways to start working on your heart and lung health is by starting strength training at home. To know more, click this link.