(1) Notification. New Message from Future You. Hi, we need to talk about building muscle and why you need to do it, asap. The truth is, building muscle has a variety of health benefits, both short-term and long-term. In this 3 minute read, I'm going to share with you why muscle-building can improve your overall health and make you more awesome. Keep reading.
Short-term benefits of building muscle
1. Increased Strengh and Endurance.
One of the most obvious benefits is that building muscle will inevitably lead to increased strength and endurance. And remember, strength and endurance aren’t just for athletes, bodybuilders, and the like. No matter who you are, adding muscle strengthens your body and increases your capacity for completing everyday activities. As a result, you’ll have more motivation and energy to push through the tough days, and you’ll be more resistant to fatigue. Whether you’re a professional desk-jockey or a busy E.R. nurse, or anything in between, you can benefit from more strength and endurance.
2. Another immediate advantage of muscular development is increased metabolism.
When you have more muscle mass, your body burns more calories, even while you’re sitting on the couch. If you find yourself getting hungry sooner in between meals, your metabolism may be accelerating. That’s a sign you’re on the right track! Your body will burn fat more effectively as a result, which can make it easier for you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
3. A third short-term benefit of building muscle is reducing your risk of injury.
When your muscles are in good shape, your joints are more supported and stabilized. This means that you will be more capable of handling the physical demands of your daily life and less likely to sustain injuries like sprains and strains. We can all relate to the inconvenience of rolling an ankle while out on a leisurely stroll in your neighborhood. Not only is that embarrassing and frustrating, but it may also be easily avoided. You're more likely to completely prevent something like that if you routinely work on your lower-body and core strength.
Long-term benefits of building muscle
1. As far as long-term benefits of building muscle go, a big one is improved bone health.
As we age, our bones can become weaker, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis. Building muscle can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of these conditions, particularly in older adults. Don’t wait until you’re old! Start now, and get a jump on healthy habits that can take you well into your 90’s. The truth is, you can start at any age. Just look at the example of Ernestine Sheperd. She didn't start working out until she was well into her 50s, but she has achieved an incredible, healthy physique that will undoubtedly support her skeletal structure quite well.
2. The second long-term benefit of building muscle is a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Studies have shown that regular muscle-building exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. For example, muscle-building exercises help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin-sensitivity. This can have a positive impact on several other bodily functions, beyond just lowering blood sugar levels. Resistance training has also been shown to increase the production of immune cells, which can help to fight off cancer cells and improve overall immune function. Scheduling your next visit to the gym yet?
3. Another long-term benefit of building muscle is better physical function.
As we age, our muscle mass and strength naturally decline. However, by building muscle, we can counteract this decline and maintain physical function, allowing us to lead active, independent lives. The longer you can keep playing tennis and not have to resort to pickleball, the better. No offense to you pickleballers… It just seems like a sport that you go to when you can’t get around a tennis court as well. This is not even mentioning the mental function boost that is derived directly from physical activity. That’s another article altogether!
It's worth reiterating that muscle building isn't just for the young or athletic. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from building muscle, and there are a variety of methods to do so. Whether you're a beginner looking to start a new exercise routine or a seasoned athlete looking to take your training to the next level, you’ve got tons of options to build muscle and improve your health.
One more thing. Don’t forget, your heart is a muscle! Make sure you are incorporating an exercise program that includes cardio and stretching, not just pumping iron. Yes, I said it. Cardio. Even as I write this, I cringe a little inside. I’m as guilty as anyone of skipping cardio. But I know I need it. Especially since I'll be chasing my grandchildren around someday.
So get out there and make some gains! Young and old, we all need to focus on building more muscle. The short- and long-term benefits are incredible, and they go way beyond the ones mentioned here.
Thanks for tuning in and remember to check back in for more HEALTH and fitness tips.
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