Why is resistance exercise important?

Resistance exercise, or resistance training, offers numerous significant benefits for overall health and longevity. Here are some key reasons why it's important:

1. Muscle Mass and Strength Preservation: Resistance training is crucial for maintaining and building muscle mass, which tends to decline with age. As Stuart Phillips explains, having robust skeletal muscles provides a functional reserve, which helps during stressful situations and delays the aging process 1.

2. Improved Body Composition: This type of exercise helps improve body composition by increasing lean mass, which includes muscle, and can assist in managing fat mass. Dr. Brad Schoenfeld highlights how resistance training impacts muscle growth and fat management, although it's not the most efficient standalone method for fat loss 2.

3. Bone Density: Resistance exercise also benefits bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults. Danny Matranga notes that resistance training helps mitigate age-related bone and muscle loss, improving overall metabolic health and reducing disease risk 3.

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     Importance of Resistance Training

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     Resistance Training Benefits

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     Resistance Training Benefits

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     Strength Training Benefits

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     Embracing Resistance Training

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4. Metabolic and Hormonal Health: Resistance training is effective in boosting metabolism and balancing hormonal levels. For instance, it can increase testosterone levels in men, improving overall quality of life and reducing health risks associated with low testosterone levels 4.

5. Neurological Benefits: Engaging in resistance training has shown unique neurological benefits, such as improving brain function and lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Danny Matranga mentions that resistance exercise can help brains become more capable and sometimes even grow, compared to other forms of exercise 3.

6. Longevity and Disease Prevention: Finally, regular resistance exercise can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and maintaining muscle mass, which is crucial for healthy aging 3.

Overall, while both resistance and cardiovascular exercises have clear benefits, experts like Chris McGlory advocate prioritizing resistance training for its profound impact on muscle and metabolic health, especially for older adults 5.