12 REASONS WHY RESISTANCE EXERCISE IS VITAL

• BENEFIT 1: Avoid Muscle Loss. Only resistance exercise maintains muscle mass and strength   throughout your life.
• BENEFIT 2: Avoid Metabolic Rate Reduction. Resistance exercise prevents muscle loss and prevents a decrease in resting metabolic rate.
• BENEFIT 3: Increase Muscle Mass. A standard resistance training programme can increase muscle mass by about 3lbs over an 8 week training period.
• BENEFIT 4: Increase Metabolic Rate. By adding 3lbs of muscle you increase metabolic rate by 7% and daily calorie requirements by 15%.
• BENEFIT 5: Reduce Body Fat. Resistance exercise produced 4lbs of fat loss after 3 months training.
• BENEFIT 6: Increase Bone Mineral Density. The same training stimulus that increases muscle myoproteins also increases osteoproteins and mineral content.
• BENEFIT 7: Improve Glucose Metabolism. A 23% increase in glucose uptake ha been reported after 4 months of strength training. Poor glucose metabolism is associated with adult onset diabetes.
• BENEFIT 8: Increase Gastrointestinal Transit Time. One study showed a 56% increase in gastrointestinal transit time after 3 months strength training.
• BENEFIT 9: Reduce Resting Blood Pressure. Resistance training alone reduces resting blood pressure. Resistance and aerobic exercise is also very effective in reducing blood pressure readings.
• BENEFIT 10: Improve Blood Lipid Levels. At least 2 studies revealed improved blood lipid profiles after several weeks of resistance exercise.
• BENEFIT 11 Reduce Low Back Pain. Strong low back muscles are less likely to be injured.
• BENEFIT 12 Reduce Arthritic Pain. Sensible resistance training eases osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.