Resistance Training for Everyone
Resistance training is a vital for individuals of all ages, as it provides numerous health benefits. It been shown to enhance cardiovascular health by reducing resting blood pressure, decreasing cholesterol levels, and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Westcott, 2012).
In addition, resistance training has been associated with a lower risk of bladder and kidney cancers, making it a crucial aspect of cancer risk reduction (Rezende et al., 2020). Moreover, it plays a significant role in preventing physical decline, maintaining muscle strength, power, and endurance, and helping to maintain a healthy body weight (Bampton et al., 2016). Furthermore, resistance training has been linked to improvements in body composition, glycemic control, cardiovascular health, bone mineral density, physical functions, and mental health (Krzysztofik et al., 2022). It is also important to note that resistance training is beneficial for both men and women, with women specifically benefiting from strength training in various ways (Ackerman, n.d.).
Moreover, resistance training has been shown to have significant physical, psychometric, and functional benefits for older adults, challenging the muscular system and contributing to overall health and well-being (Henwood et al., 2011). It has also been found to be critical in characterizing musculoskeletal health and is considered one of the most effective strategies for improving musculoskeletal mass throughout the lifespan (Shoepe et al., 2020). Home-based resistance training has been identified as a safe, effective, and low-cost exercise option for increasing muscle strength and functional capacity in healthy older adults and those with various health conditions (Marcos-Pardo et al., 2021).
In conclusion, resistance training is a crucial component of health promotion and rehabilitation, providing numerous benefits for individuals of all ages, including improvements in cardiovascular health, cancer risk reduction, maintenance of muscle strength, and overall physical and mental well-being.